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THE FIRST 

One Hundred Years 

—OF— 

McKEESPORT. 

AN HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL DESCRIPTION 

OF THE CITY FROM ITS INCEPTION 

UNTIL ITS CENTENNIAL IN 1894. 

COMPILED AND PREPARED 
HV 



Walter S. Abbott and William E. Harris( 



-♦O"— ^ UNDER DIRECTION OF 

Centennial Historical Committee. 



)I1, 



McKEESPORT, PA. 
PRESS OF McKEESPORT TIMES 

i«94. 



F/6'^ 




NOTE. 

This history was prepared and issued by authority of the Historical 
Committee of the Centennial Celebration of McKeesport, celebrated on 
September 13th and 14th, 1894. The Committee was appointed by the 
General Committee of the McKeesport Board of Trade, controlling the 
celebration, and consisted of the following gentlemen: 

W. E. HARRISON, Chairman, 
JAMES EVANS, 
HENRY STEWART, 
ISAAC EDMUNDSON, 
W. S. ABBOTT. 



CARD OF THANKS. 

The authors return sincere thanks to James Evans, Henry Stewart, Isaac 
Edmundson, M. Wilson Stewart and W. E. Buehler, for special assistance 
in this work, and to many other friends here and abroad, for valuable ser- 
vices rendered. Without their aid, much of the data secured could not have 
been obtained, because many dates could not be procured except from 
private records. The assistance of these friends aided the authors very 
materially. 



PREFACE. 

In undertaking the task of preparing a history of McKeesport the 
authors were aware of having assumed something not easy of accomplish- 
ment. Much data necessary to a complete history is not procurable, 
because it does not exist. Other information sought was unobtainable. 
But the compilers have made an honest endeavor to gather and arrange 
the following history in its proper chronological order in as complete a 
form as it is possible at this time to prepare such a work. The history 
is the result of a laborious gathering of facts from every conceivable 
source of information, both at home and abroad. Data has been tested 
and subjected to proof wherever it has been possible and the work is 
offered to the public, though incomplete, and perhaps imperfect as to 
some of the facts presented, as the most comprehensive history of the 
"Metropolis of the Monongahela" that has yet been published. Whatever 
its imperfections may be, the authors have no apology to offer. As a 
souvenir of the first century of McKeesport it seeks recognition, and 
wonderful as the record of the past may seem, the century just 
dawning will far surpass it. The next century of McKeesport's existence 
will be far greater, grander and nobler, and the history of the second 
cycle of one hundred years will record a still greater development. 

The Authors. 



ONE HUNDRED YEARS.* 

We come, with clang of bells, with songs of praise, 
With waving banners, with electric blaze, 
With radient hopes, and with inspiring cheers, 
To crown the memories of a hundred years. 
* * * * -X- * 

Could we roll back a hundred cycling years. 

And photograph the early pioneers. 

How we should see in each bronzed, rugged face 

The native stamp of that ancestral race 

Who came to act as conscience should dictate, 

Far from the partnerships of Church and State. 

A hundred years! How long, or short, it seems, 
Depends on fruitful deeds, not idle dreams. 
To sanguine vision, with its rainbow light. 
Days shrink to hours in their rapid flight; 
While lagging weeks or lingering months may be 
To wrong and suffering an eternity. 
Sunshine and shadow, innocence and crime. 
With different standards weigh and measure time. 
Full twenty centuries the Pantheon's dome 
Has watched the ebbs and flows of life in Rome. 
Through forty centuries, survey the links 
Of past and present in the silent Sphynx, 
And in the stately Pyramids that rise 
Until their summits pierce Egyptian skies. 

Brief space compared with all this length of years, 

McKeesport's single century appears; 

And sharply drawn, the contrasts brought to view 

Between the records of the old and new. 

Scan transatlantic archives, and you find 

Their every page with blood-marks interlined. 

Traverse each foot of Europe's wide domain, 

The scars of battle are on every plain. 

Where'er you turn, amid the busy hive, 

"The dust 30U tread upon was once alive." 

*Adapl<'d from Cciileniiial Foeiii by Dr. Bo/n/xiitg//, //urrisbiiri^; Pa. 



McKeesport. 



HE first known permanent resident at the mouth of the 
Youghiogheny river was Queen Alhquippa, the queen of the 
friendly Delaware tribe of Indians, who selected the spot now 
known as McKeesport for her seat of government. She was 
a good queen, celebrated in history and tradition for many good 
qualities, and in its day her tribe ranked as one of importance 
among the red men who controlled this part of the country prior 
to, and after, 1750. A legend has it that when the doughty 
General Braddock marched through here in 1756 to the scene of 
his defeat, three miles below McKeesport, near the mouth of 
Turtle Creek, that Queen Alliquippa occupied a prominent posi- 
tion among a number of her braves on the hilltop above Riverton 
and gazed upon the British Army, as it passed down Crooked 
Run Hollow to the Monongahela river and forded that stream. 
She is supposed to have been struck with wonder when the red 
and gold uniforms and glistening accoutrements of the English 
soldiers .iSashed in the sunlight beneath her gaze; but she was a 
proud queen, and notwithstanding the fact that George Washing- 
ton, afterwards the "Father of his Countr}'," accompanied the 
soldiers, she insisted that because due homage had not been 
shown her by that august body, she had been slighted. The 
angry queen, through messengers, is said to have informed the 
army that it had given her offense; but the story goes that George 
Washington afterwards succeeded in smoothing and softening the 
ruffled feelings of the dusky queen by presenting her in person 
with a bottle of rum. 



8 



History of McKf.f.spor'I'. 



Exactly where Queen Alliquippa's lodge was located is not 
known. Probably it was on one of the hilltops, as the level 
ground about tlie rivers at that time was swampy. One of the 
hills mentioned as the site of her headquarters is that now 
covered b\" what is known as South Park. 




The McKecs of McKeesport. 



HBOUT the beginning of the eighteentli centur)' David 
McKee. with his famil}', moved from Scotland to the 
Protestant settlement in the north of Ireland, settling near Lon- 
donderry. Bnt persecution followed the Presbyterians and 
about the middle of the centur}' he was forced to seek a new home. 
He came to America in company with several brothers and found 
in the Province of Pennsylvania what he said he long had 
sought: "a church without a bishop; a state without a king." 

He settled near Philadelphia, but in the year 1755 ^^^ crossed the 
Allegheny mountains and under the protection of the once cele- 
brated Queen of the Delawares ( Alliquippa), he settled perma- 
nently in the wilderness he found at the confluence of the Monon- 
gahela and Youghioghen\' rivers. There he built himself a log 
cabin and became the first white resident of the localitw 

The territory now covered by a teeming, throbbing, pulsing 
city was at that time an extensive marsh or swamp, clogged with 
heav}- forest and a dense undergrowth — not a home site that 
would to-da}' be selected by seekers after health and longevity. 
The time, too, seemed not aptly chosen, for it was contempo- 
raneous wich the disastrous defeat of General Braddock at 
Braddock's Field. The country round about was quaking with 
the shock of warfare and the onl}' recognized law was that of 
might. The strong ruled the weak. Notwithstanding the 
unfavorable surroundings David McKee built and occupied his 
log house and established a home in spite of all difficulties. The 
seed thus planted, over a century ago, was the nucleus of what 
afterwards became McKeesport, to-da}' a prosperous cit\- whose 
railroads, manufactories, schools, churches, intelligence, refine- 



His'iORv OF McKeesport. 



ment and thrift, form a halo through which the past appears as 
a misty dream, the outHnes bemg dim and exceedingly hard to 
discern. It is difficult to believe that the present modern cit}' 
was erected wh.ere the first white settler found nothing but a 
swamp along the shores of two big rivers, the future value of 
which he had no conception whatever. He was simply an 
adventurous white man determined to carve a home out of the 
wilderness and to force the earth to render him and his famil\- a 
living, free from the restraints he found in the, to him. obno.xious 
land of his birth. He cleared out enough of the dense taugle 
of swamp}- forest to enable him to operate a farm, but did not 
confine himself strictl}' to farmiug for an indefinite period. He 
had tlie Scotch-Irish ideas of thrift about him and he soon 
established a skiff ferry connecting his place with the opposite 
sides of the Monongahela and Youghioghen}' rivers and in 1769 he 
obtained a charter for it. That charter is still iu force to-da}' 
and a steam-ferr}' service is maintained under it. 

David McKee died on October 11, 1795, aged eighty-five 3-ears 
and his property passed to his three sons, John, David and 
Robert. David left the settlement, removing across the river 
and occupying a tract of land in what is now Mifflin township. 
He was drowned some years afterward while fording the Monon- 
gahela river on horseback, at Braddock's upper riffle, opposite the 
mouth of Crooked Run, where Braddock's army crossed in 1756. 
Robert located on a tract of land in the neighborhood of Brad- 
dock's Field, which was at that time a respectable settlement. 
John retained the old homestead which had been deeded to him 
by his father some years before. 



John McKec. 



HS has been stated, John McKee succeeded his father as the 
possessor of tlie McKee land at the confluence of the 
Monongahela and Youghioghen\' rivers some time previous 
to his father's death. John McKee was the owner of McKee's 
Ferry and tlie founder of McKee's Port — afterwards the 
Borough and now the City of McKeesport. The McKee liome- 
stead was located outside of what became the town of McKees- 
port. viz: On the East side of Walnut street near the spot now 
occupied by the new portion of the iron works of the W. Dewees 
Wood Compan\'. W. E. Harrison and probabl}' one or two 
fjtliers of our oldest citizens, remember playing about the old log 
pile, the remains of the McKee home, which marked its location 
in their boyhood days. All traces of it disappeared many years 
ago. 

John McKee was born in Ireland in 1746 and at the death of 
his father was fort3'-nine 3'ears of age. He was a man of fine 
presence, much energy and of infinite resources of mind and body. 
He had been very prosperous in his undertakings up to the date 
of the wdiiskey insurrection, ranking as one of the wealthiest men 
in Western Pennsylvania. Subsequent to the whiskey war his 
affairs became somewhat tangled and he suffered losses in large 
sums prior to the year 1795- 

During that year he laid out the plan of McKee's Port on the 
site formerly known as McKee's Ferry. McKee's Port as belaid 
it out was bounded by the Monongahela and Youghioghen}" 
rivers, Ninth street and Walnut street. The plan consisted of 
upwards of two hundred lots, sixty feet front and one hundred and 



History of McKhf.sport. 



forty feet deep, each fronting a street and running back to an alley. 
The two principal streets. Market and Fourth, were eighty feet 
wide, all the others being sixty feet wide. All the lines ran at right 
angles and the plan is to-da}- pronounced perfect, regret being ex- 
pressed that the original lines were not continued in subsequent 
additions to the work so well begun by John McKee. Near the cen- 
ter of the new town Mr. McKee '.eft a large area intended for market 
house purposes, which for many \ears has been known as the 
Diamond. Two lots each for church and school purposes were 
set aside and the remainder of the lots were offered for sale. 

Mr. McKee adopted a novel plan to dispose of his town lots. 
He put the price of the lots at twenty dollars each, and by way 
of satisfying purchasers as to the selection of lots, he arranged a 
lottery scheme. The purchaser paid him ten dollars for which 
he received a numbered ticket and when the lottery drawing 
occurred, each man was assigned the lot his ticket drew, when, 
if he paid ten dollars additional, he received a deed for the 
property. There seems to have been no blanks in John 
McKee's lottery but if a ticket holder did not like the location 
of the lot he drew, he forfeited the ten dollars he paid for the 
ticket. Even in that early day the value of advertising was 
recognized and appreciated and John McKee accordingly made 
his lottery and land booming scheme known to the world 
through the columns of the Pittsbur^:;h Gazette. W. E. Harrison 
has the advertisement clipped from that paper dated February 
5. 1795, a valuable relic, a copy of which is herewith reproduced: 

A NEW' TOWN 

IS laid out by the fubfcriber on the 
fpot known for many years paft by 
the name of M'Kees ferr}-. The 
ground intended for the Town is de- 
lightfully htuated on a fine level point, 
at the junction of the Monongahela & 



John McKee. 13 

Youghiogeny rivers about fixteen 
miles above Pittfburgh by water, and 
twelve only by land. The plan on 
which the Town is to be improved 
confifts of upwards of 200 lots of 60 
feet front ; each lot having the advan- 
tage of a ftreet and an alley 20 feet 
wide, for the convenience of ftables 
etc. The principal ftreets are eighty 
feet wide the others fixty. Near the 
center of the Town is a large area or 
fquare intended for a market houfe. 
Forty eight of the lots front the two 
rivers Monongahela and Youghiogeny, 
Four lots will be given by the fub- 
fcriber, for the ufe of a place of wor- 
fhip and a feminary of learning. 

The fituation of this place is fo well 
known in the Weftern Country that 
it needs no enconium that can be 
given it but for the information of 
thofe perfons below the mountain 
who ma}' wifh to become purchafers 
it may be neceffary to premife, that its 
fituation is one of the beft in the wef- 
tern country for trade and commerce, 
having the advantage of the two ri- 
vers Monongahela and Youghiogeny 
flowing under its banks, being near 
feveral grift and faw mills, clofe to 
what is called the Forks of Yough 
fettlement which is indifputabl\' the 
richeft that we have it is at leaft 12 
miles nearer to Philadelphia than 
Pittfburgh is, it has public roads laid 
out from it in different directions. 

The price of each lot is to be 20 
dollars, and one dollar ground rent 



14 History of McKeesport. 

to be paid annually. To avoid dif- 
putes the lot every purchafer, is to 
poffefs is to be decided b}' a Lottery, 
which will be held on the fpot on the 
iftday of April next. Each purchafer 
at the time of receiving liis ticket is 
to pay ten dollars, and the refidue 
when he draws his number and gets 
his deed. The majority of purchafers 
prefent at the drawing are to choofe 
the perfons who fhall draw the tickets, 
which perfons fhall point out the four 
lots to be appropriated to public ufes, 
prior to the drawing. 

Tickets to be had of John Hannah 
mercht. Pittfburgh ; Andrew Swear- 
ingen Efqr. Wafhington ; lohn Ta3'lor 
Efqr. Greenfburgh, lames Wallace 
Efqr. Carlifle, Peter Whitefide mercht. 
Mercerfburgh and of the fubfcriber 

on the premifes. 

lOHN M'KEE. 

N. B. A plan of the town with 
propofals annexed, ma}' be feen at any 
of the above places. 

February 5, 1795. 

[The advertisement as it appears above was clipped from the Gazette by 
the late Judge Veech of Pittsburgh, formerly of Uniontown. About 
thirty-five years ago he gave the clipping to C. C. Taylor, Esq., then an 
attorney-at-law here, who presented it to W. E. Harrison, who has it pre- 
served in a glass-covered frame]. 

The new town had not been formally christened and it was 
not imtil sometime in November 1795 that the name of McKees- 
port was finalh' determined upon. The lottery disposed of 
many of the lots, but we know little of the particulars of what 
modern land speculators would call a "boom," natural to follow 
the birth of a iiew town, clainied to possess many advantages 



John McKee. 15 

over the village of Pittsburgh because it was "twelve miles 
nearer Philadelphia;" but we do know that many of the original 
purchasers abandoned their lots and refused to pay the taxes 
assessed against them. The omnipresent tax-gatherer kept 
charging up the taxes until the limits of patience had been 
exhausteei and in the year 1H34 a general clearing up of the tax 
muddle was inaugurated and about one half of the "lottery lots" 
were sold under the hammer for the delintjuent taxes against 
them, at an average of less than ten dollars a lot. 

Nevertheless, these apparent reverses did not prevent McKees- 
port from being something of a town. For instance it had, as a 
necessity, a graveyard outside the limits, just East of Walnut 
street and adjoining that portion of Ninth street which was 
afterwards laid out East of Walnut. This old graveyard was 
located by Davnd McKee, father of John, and was not finall)- 
abandoned until the year 1872, when all the bodies, or what 
could be found of them, were removed to Versailles Cemeter}-. 

As early as 1800, McKeesport attracted general attention. 
Among its possessions was a race track running nearly around 
the town as platted, and. judging from the number of races on 
this course, the people were by no means devoid of a love for 
outdoor sports. The track ran along Water to Eighth street, 
then around to near Market street and thence to Second street. 
That the races were patronized by people from the surrounding 
country is shown by the following notice which is a copv of one 
appearing in the Pittsburgh Gazette, dated August 27th, 1800: 

McKEESPORT RACES. 



McKeesport races will be sported for on the turf at McKeesport on the first 
Wednesday in October next. A purse of $40 for mile heats; free for all; any 
horse, mare or gelding. On Thursday a purse of S20, one and one-half mile 
heats, free as above. And on Friday a sweepstake, one mile heats, free as 
aforesaid, the winning horse of each day excepted. No respect paid to the 
weight of the rider. 

PiTT-sBURQH, Aug. 27, 1800. 



1 6 History of McKf. i: sport 



John McKee died on January nth, 1807, aged sixty-one years. 
His remains were placed by the side of liis father in the old 
graveyard, previously described, where they rested quietly until 
the demands of later years made it necessary to abandon the old 
burying ground. Accordingly in 1872 the remains were removed 
by one of his relatives, the late William Whigham, to Versailles 
Cemetery where they are to-day, the location being marked by 
the original headstone erected by his family in the old graveyard. 
But a handsome granite monument to him as the " Founder of 
McKeesport " was erected over his remains (and those of hi^ wife 
and his father), in 1887 b}' David R. McKee, as executor of the 
will of Redick McKee (son of John McKee, and born in McKees- 
port, December 7, 1800), who occasionally visited the old Bor- 
ough and had many friends among its residents. 

John McKee married Sally Redick, sister of Judge David 
Redick, of Washington County, Pa., whose pedigree is traceable 
back through the Hoges or ''Hoags," Humes, Stewarts, " Red- 
dochs," and Douglasses to the dawn of Scottish history, about the 
year iioo. Two of her grandnieces, Mrs. Jacob Burket and 
Mrs. John Merrington are still living and were recently residents 
of this city. A grandnephew, R. F. Ramsey, Esq., is living in 
Pittsburgh. 

Redick Mc|\ee, after a long life of great activit\' and useful- 
ness (largely passed in Wheeling, Va.. where in its early 
days he was prominent alike in establishing manufactories and 
other business enterprises and in founding religious and educa- 
tional institutions,, died at the home of his son, David R. McKee, 
in Washington Citv, September 13th, 1SS6. 

The latter is now the onl\' survivor of Redick McKee's family; 
and his sons are the last-born lineal descendants of the first 
settler of McKeesport. 




REDICK McKEE, 
Son of John McKee, the Founder o" McKeesport. 



Old Time Residents. 



HE residents of McKeesport prior to tlie year 1830, when 
the town eonsisted of but eighteen houses, one church 
and one small steam grist and saw mill, were of course limited 
in numbers, and the following list comprises substantially the 
names that would have appeared in a directory of the town, had 
such a book been compiled at that time: 

Alexander, James, saddler and tavern. Water street, bet. 2d and 3d. 

Located here in 181 1. 
Baker, John, tavern, northwest cor. 2d and Walnut. 
Baker, Jacob, blacksmith, 3d near Walnut. 
Behan, John, English pensioner, member of King's Life Guards, southeast 

cor. W^ater and Third. 
Boughman, John H., surveyor, bricklayer, stonemason, 2d near Mulberry 

allev. 
Dickey, Samuel, carpenter, southwest cor. 3d and Blackberry alle\'. 
Evans, James, hatter and Justice of the Peace, east of Walnut, oppo. 2d. 
Harrison, John, blacksmith and farmer, near head of Ninth st. 
Hirst, Emanuel, gardener. Market street south of 3d. 
Hunter, Samuel, coal merchant, east side Market bet. 2d and 3d. 
Huey, George E., physician, southwest cor, 2d and Walnut. 
Jamison, Henry, cooper, south of gth near Market. 
Longhead, Col. Wm., soldier in the war of 1812, general store, 3d near 

Walnut. 
Lowry, Robert, general store, southeast cor. Market and 3d. 
McVay, James, tailor, east Market bet. ist and 2d. 
Pennev, James, cooper, south west cor. 3d and Walnut. 
Rose, Samuel I\L, ta\ern, 2d and Mulberry alley. 
Rowland, Hugh, general store and carding and fulling mill, west side 

Market bet. ist and 2d. 
Soles, Andrew, general store, north side jd bet. Mulberry and Strawberry 

alleys. 
Stone, Daniel, laborer, east side Market, bet. 2d and 3d. 
Yoving, John, wheelwright, spiitji si^^ 2(3j cof, .p)acl<t>§}-ry ^Uey, 



HisroRV OK McKi:i:si'()R'i-. 



W. E. Harrison remembers all the foregoing persons dis- 
tinctly and although the list is not considered accurate it 
substantially covers the names of the people here prior to the 
date, 1830. 

The grist mill spoken of was on the lot northwest of Second 
street, corner of Blackberry alley, now covered by part of 
Wootl's mills. A church stootl upon the lot now occupied 
by the First l'resb\terian church and parsonage at Sixth and 
Market streets. The only brick dwelling in town then was 
owned b\- Dr. Huey and the single frame dwelling was occupied 
bv Andrew Soles. All the other buildings were of logs. The grist 
mill was a frame structure, but the little church was constructed 
with brick. Five of these buildings remain and are still 
occupied, viz: Rose's and Soles' on Second street; Huey's 
at Second and Walnut streets: Penney's on Third street antl 
Lowrv's at Thirtl and Market streets. There are eight persons 
living in the cit}' to-day who were residents in 1830, as follows: 
W. E. Harrison. W. B. Harrison, Mrs. Ann Fields, sons and 
daughters of John Harrison; Mrs. E. E. Tassey, daughter of 
Hugh Rowland; Miss Nancy Boughman. ]\frs. INIary Harper 
and IMrs. Elizabeth Fisher, daughters of John Baker: and Mrs. 
Rebecca Gilky. 

W. E. Harrison has resided here over si.xty-eight years, being 
the oldest continuous resident in the cit}\ R. S. McInt}Te 
came here in 1831 and is believed to l)e the oldest man iri the 
citv, being in his eighty-fitth year. Mrs. Rebecca Gilky is in 
her eight\--ninth \ear and is regarded as the oldest woman in 
the cit\' and has been here the longest — seventN'-eight \ears. 
Mrs. Mar} Harper came here when fotir years old and is now 
in her eightieth }ear, and has resided in and close b}' the city 
for seventv-six vears. 

For many years r.fter the town was laid out the township road 
entering from the south came along the hillside nearly on the 



Old Timp: Rksidents. 



19 



present line of Jenn\' Lind street to abont the head of Ninth 
street, thence to the western line of the old grave \'ard; from 
thence to Market street near the jnnction of Sixth. We can get 
no record of the time the present road connecting with Walnut 
street was opened. 

The road from the East was about on the line of the present 
Fifth avenue to Hue}' street from which point it ran due North 
to a point near the National Rolling Mills, thence West to 
Walnut street near Second. In 1846 it was abandoned and 
changed to the present Fifth avenue. 

In passing it may be noted that in early days each resident 
kept a cow, raised hogs and sheep and usually had a flock of 
geese to lock after. 





£/'6saci/fAitcst.S'!^^P^Sr^ 



First Schoolhouse erected in McKeesport and first voting- place 
in the Boroug'h. 



Old Time Voting. 



IT was not so simple nor so convenient a matter for the earlier 
voters of McKeesport to cast their ballots on election days 
as it is now. Up to the year 1S42 they were required to go to 
what was known as the '"White House" on the Pittsburgh and 
Greensbiu'g pike, four miles from town, to exercise the right of 
suffrage. In those days conve3'ances were luxuries enjoyed by 
few but, notwithstanding the long tramp necessary, it is 
recorded to the credit of the townsmen, that very few neglected 
to vote at elections. The town was at that, time a portion of 
Versailles township. 

In 1842 McKeesport was incorporated and the elections were 
held for a number of 3'ears in the school house which stood on 
the Diamond, but which was afterwards, in 1849, removed to the 
rear of the lot adjoining the Presb3'terian parsonage, where they 
were continued until the first brick school house was erected on 
the site of the present First Ward building. Elections were 
held there until the borough was divided into wards, when 
polling places were provided for each division. 



WM 



MM 



Topography. 



C^^HE topograplu" of the ground forming the original phui of 
\Z/ AIcKeesport had to be changed considerably before all 
the ground was made available. As late as 1846 there was no 
wharf at the foot of Market street. A bluff at Second street cut 
the river off from the present Market street wharf. The 
shipping of the town was handled, in and out. at the ferry 
landing at the foot of Second street. Three large ponds of 
water stood North of Second street and extended from East of 
Market street towards the ferry landing. They covered the 
ground now occupied b\- the brick houses of Major Ryan's heirs 
and that of Mrs. Emil}- Tassey and reached Southward nearly 
up to Third street. After heavy rains it was almost impossible 
for teams to cross Second street. 

Between Seventh and Eighth streets a deep gully extended 
from a point between ]\Iarket and Walnut streets to the Yougli- 
ioghen\- river. It was about twenty feet deep across Market 
street and probably fifty feet deep at Mulberry alley. 

The land along the banks of both rivers was so low that at the 
time of freshets and floods much of it was imder water. It was 
not uncommon to see all of Water street covered 1\\' water, as 
well as parts of Second, Third, Market and Walnut streets. 

Old residents know what a wonderful amount of filling was 
necessar\' to raise the grade of the lowdying part of the town 
to its present elevation above high water. 



Occupations. 

PROFESSIONAL AND OTHERWISE. 



IT is worth while to glance briefly at some of the men who 
were pioneers in their different trades and professions, 
prior to the year 1830. 

James Evans, grandfather of James Evans, of the National 
Bank of INIcKeesport, was the first Justice of the Peace. He 
was appointed hv the Governor of the State. Back about 1820 
he operated a distillery on a small scale, on Strawberry alle\-, 
and at one time he manufactured hats. 

Samuel Dickey was the first coal merchant to locate here. 

The first school teacher was "And}'" Hendrickson and he is 
said to have wielded the rod with remarkable de.xteritv. 

The first clerg\inan, or preacher as he was called, was Rev. 
Boyd Mercer. 

After the McKees, the first ferryman there is an}- record of 
was Samuel Elliott, who took charge of the business in 1820. 

The first coalboat pilot was Samuel klunter, who came here 
in 1 83 1. Many others followed him. 

The first tanner}- was operated by Samuel Culbertson, who 
came here in 1802. 

The first postmaster was James Evans, who was commis- 
sioned in 1827. 

Subsequent to 1830 the following persons were prominent in 
their various avocations: 

The original sawyer vvas Joseph Wampler, father of W. P. 
Wampler, now in the lumber business. He came here in 1831. 
He was a capable man and in addition to the above occupation he 



HisroRV OF jMcKkkspori 



made telescopes, microscopes and barometers, numbers of which 
are in use to-dav. He was Justice of the Peace for many years, 
being the first one elected under the borough charter. 

The first wagonmaker was Henry Myers, who came liere in 
1839. He had a contract with the government to furnish 
wagons during the Mexican war. 

The first butcher was Joseph Garbr\-. who came about 1834. 

The original barber shop was opened b\' Joseph Newell, a 
white man, about 1845. 

The first colored barber was Jesse Allen, who came in 1850. 

James F. R\'an was the first tinner. He came here about 
1848 and continued actively in business until his death. 

The first teamster to do general liauling was ''Old Bill}-" 
Castner, who began in 1850. 

The first shoe store was establislied by W. E. Harrison in 
1858, who continued the l)usiness thirt\'-five years. 

James B. Mitchell, known as '-Dr." Mitchell, opened the first 
drug store in 1850. 




Some Early Incidents. 



HE first suicide was Dr. Henderson, who hanged himself 
to a bedpost in Rose's tavern in 1832. 

Robert Ha\ s. the ferrxnian, was the first person drowned here. 
This was in 1H33. 

The next violent death recorded, was that of John Gallagher, 
found dead on Walnut street in 1837. The cause is not 
known. 

The first colored man in town was known as "Black Alex," 
and the first colored girl was called "Black Han." They came 
here in 1830. 

The first brick house in town was built by Dr. Hue}', corner 
of Walnut and Third streets in 1820. The next was the 
Rowland mansion corner of Market and Tliird, erected in 1837. 
(W. E. Harrison helped to carr}' the brick to build itj. 

The first house built for tavern use was bv Sterling Johnson, 
on Water street, between Second and Third, in 1800, afterwards 
occupied by the Alexanders. As was the custom then a sign 
post stood on the sidewalk and the swinging board above it 
carried the picture of a black horse. 

The first Sunday school was organized in the Presbvterian 
church in 1825, b\- Rev. Alex. McCandless. The original 
temperance society was organized under his direction in the 
same })lace in 1829 and was said to have been the only organiza- 
tion of the kind in Western Pennsylvania at that time. The 
first signers to the pledge were Wm. Penne\', John Gray and 
Hamilton Stewart, and, be it said to their credit, they never 
broke it. 



26 History of McKeesport. 

The only Revolutionary soldier buried here with the honors of 
war was Thomas Clark, on the 5th day of September 1S42. A 
military company from Turtle Creek had charge of the funeral. 

The onh' account we have of a slave being owned in ]\IcKees- 
port was one sold by James Evans to Col. Fauntle\- Muse and 
b\' him to Henry Clialfant, of Turtle Creek. The date is not 
known. 

The first steam ferr}' boat was named the '-Yough'" and was 
put into service in 1846. 

The first fire in town was in 1H36. \vhen Kirkpatrick's cabinet 
shop was burned. It stood near the site of the present liglit 
station, on Third street. 

The first murder committed here was bv Win. I)icke\' wlio 
shot Dr. h'orsha, at the corner of Market street and the 
Diamond. Dicke}' was defended in Court b\' Col. Sam. Black 
who secured a verdict of acquittal. 

The first person convicted of stealing and who was sent to the 
penitentiary was Adam Passmore, about 1S30. 

The first circus to spread its canvass here was Stickne\''s, 
about 1838. 

Secret societies were introduced in 1845 1)\" a temperance 
organization. 

The first persons executed on the gallows, who resided here, 
were James Fife and Charlotte Jones for the murder of Mr. 
Wilson and sister in Lincoln townshij) now Port \'iew borough. 
The\' were arrested and confined in the old Market House jail 
Ma\- I, 1857. Monroe Stewart, co-murtlerer, also arrested, died 
of smallpox in a hospital at Pittsburgh. 

The first livery stable was opened by Adam Gould, on 
Blackberry alley between Third and Fourth streets in 1848. 

A great hail storm is recorded in September 1850 when liad- 

rc 

/ 




First National Bank Building, (see pag-e 57) 



Naoigation. 



RIOR to the erection of locks and dams on the Mononga- 
hehi river in 1841 creating' the present shickwater system, 
tlie river was navigable onl}' a portion of the year. Neigh- 
boring farmers took produce to the Pittsburgh markets in skiffs, 
rowing them down and back. Axhich meant a trip of about two 
days. Their ha\' was sent to market in flat-boats. To get home 
the\' hitclied horses to the boats b}' a long rope and dro\'e the 
animals largel\- in the river bed. The practice was known as 
•'cordelling." The horse rode down stream but he had to pull the 
load up stream. 

Steamboats began making occasional trips in i<S3o. Tlie 
"Ploughman" is the first boat we have an}' record of. The 
trips were irregular and most of the passenger travel from here 
to Pittsburgli was on foot or on horseback. In the summer 
season people forded the Monongahela at Crooked Run and also 
a short distance above Stone's coal road. The Youghiogheny 
ford was about where the foot of Third street now is. With 
the operation of the locks in 1841 navigation was established and 
has since bean continuous; and until the Pittsburgh and Connells- 
ville railroad (now the Baltimore and Ohio) was opened, the 
freight and passenger business was confined to the river. In- 
stead of landing the boats they were stopped in midstream and 
a }awl or skifi was sent to shore with or for passengers. The 
method of hailing a steamboat was the waiving of a hat or 
handkerchief. 

Capt. James R. Hendrickson built and commanded a number 



28 



HisiORV OF WcKf.espokt. 



of boats in tlie trade, the first of wliicli was a single engine boat 
called the '-Aetna" in 1S45. Tlu^ names of some of the others 
were "Ranger." '-Star." •• KcUnbler," etc. 

The Yonghioghen\' was made na\'igable b\' locks and dams in 
1850 and the steamers '■ Tom Slirixcr," '-Farmer" and --McKee" 
ran from Pittsburgh to West Newton until 1S57 when tlie danis 
broke in consequence of an ice gorge and were never rebuilt. 

Keelboating was quite a business before the advent of steam- 
boats. The boats were of peculiar shape, pointed at both ends, 
with a footwalk along each side. The boatmen used long poles 
with whicli to push the boats. With one end of the pole resting 
on the bottom of the rix'er. the other against their shoulders, these 
hands walked the length of the boat and thus forced it through 
the water. Sometimes boats of this character loaded with slaves 
passed here, enroute from Brownsville to the lower slave markets. 




The Coal Business. 



BOR a great man\' years McKeesport depentlctl ver\' largely 
upon the coal business for a livelihood. The first coal 
mined that we have an\- knowedge of, which was loaded in flats 
for shipment down the ri\er, was by Samuel Dickey, who opened 
a mine on the Caleb Edmundson farm across the Yough- 
iogheny river. The coal was brought out of the pit in wheel- 
barrows and transporteci to the river in an ox cart, certainly a 
crude and laborious way of going about it, viewed from the 
standpoint of to-dav. 

John Harrison, father of W. E. Harrison opened a mine and 
built the first incline or tramway in 1828. It was nearly 
opposite the National Tube Works on the Monongahela river. 
At first no coal was shipped below Pittsburgh, but early in the 
"thirties"' the trade was extended to Cmcinnati and Louisville. 

The first boats used were called French Creeks, from the 
name of a creek up the Allegheny river, on which the\- were 
built. They were from sevent}' to seventy-five feet long, four- 
teen to sixteen feet wide and were loaded tfj draw from two to 
three feet of water. The coal business grew until there were 
nine mines in operation betw een the present Risher road and the 
Jordan Neel road, opposite the National Rolling Mill, and a 
number up the Youghioghenv vallex ; and over one hundred coal- 
boat pilots lived in and near the town. The boats were floated 
to market and the demand for crews to man the boats made 
nearly every male in town a coall)oatnian. Each crew numbered 
from ten to fifteen men and their work was to guide the boats 
with long oars ox sweeps, as they floated down the river on the 



30 



History of McKee sport. 



crest of a fresliet. Floating coal was a great industr)- until 
about 1855 when towing the coalboats by steamboats was intro- 
duced, and the floating gradually ceased and by 1865 it was 
a discarded industrx'. The coalboat pilots received from 
seventy-five to one hundred and fift_\' dollars a tri]). The hantls' 
pay was from ten to twcnt)' dollars a trip. 

One of the peculiarities about coal mining in those da_\-s was 
the manner in which coal was hauled out of the mines. First 
the miners usetl a kind of harness with which they hitched 
themselves to a cart to draw the black dianujuds to the mouth 
of the pit. Dogs were afterwards introduced to do this work 
and later, horses superseded the dogs. Michael Dravo, who 
came here in 1840, was the first operator to introduce horses in 
coal mines for hauling out the coal wagons. 

An incident in connection witli coalboating is worth recording. 
In the }ear 1852. when the town practically depended upon the 
coal traffic, a great deal of anxiet}- was manifested among the 
pilots and hands as to the probal)ihty of a coal boat rise. No 
weather bureau furnished daily bulletins in those da}'s and the 
lack of information as to weather probabilities was prolific of 
trouble. The boatmen started a subscription list and raised funds 
to purchase a barometer. The money was turned over to W. E. 
Harrison who procured the mucli wanted instrument and it 
was the first to arrive in town. The men almost swore by that 
l)arometer. Mr. Harrison has the old \\eather indicator in his 
possession now and on account of its associations it is quite an 
important (or at least interesting), relic. 




Boat and Skiff Building. 



HE buildint;' of boats and skiffs was quite a l)usiiiess here 
lieginning with the \cav 1834 or thereabouts. Captain 
James Ta}lor and his brother Gaskih, (known as •■Old Buddv") 
bnilt skiffs in a shop on the Monongahela river at the foot of 
Blackberry alley. The skiffs were in great demand as every pair 
of coalboats floated away liad to be provided with a sl<;iff. 

Flatboats for coal were bnilt on the Monongahela river bank 
at Market street before the wharf was erected, a high bluff 
existing there. Boats were also built on Water street on the 
Youghiogheny front. They were built bottom side up and after 
being caulked were turned over and launched into the river. 
Along tliis bank were kept great piles of steering oar stems and 
blades for making wliat were called '-sweeps" for coalboat use. 
For man}' years the siding and caulking of coalboats. the making 
of sweeps and the building of skiffs furnished emplovment for 
quite a large number of men. Most of the coal now mined is 
transported in barges such as are built at the vards of John 
Shoup & Co., at Riverton. 

The first Pittsburgh dry dock, for lifting steamboats out of the 
water for repairs, was built here b\- Cook (X: Fenton in 1836 at 
their yard on the Monongaliela below Blackberr}' allew Its 
dimensions were two Imndred and twelve feet long, fort\-two 
feet wide and twelve feet deep and it l)elonged to Thomas 
Cunningham. Cook iX: Fenton also built (piite a number of 
steamboat hulls. In later years steamboat building was carried 
on quite extensively across the Youghiogheny opposite the foot 



32 



His'jORY OF McKkesport, 



of Third street by the late Captain Benjamin Coursin, Wm. 
Coj'an and Isaac Hammitt. Many of the finest and fastest 
steamers on the Western waters were built there. The "Alvin 
Adams," said to be the fastest steamboat that ever left New 
Orleans, was launched from this _yard. This boat3'ard was 
operated from 1849 until about 1S65. 

About the year of 1850 John Trich built a small steamboat 
called the "Calm." The whole outfit was completed ready for 
service at her landing on the Youghiogheny just above Ninth 
street. 



55) 







Post Office and Postmasters. 



KIOR to the year 1827, McKeesport had no postal facihties 
and was compelled to depend upon a crude office at that 
period in Pittsburgh. On the 27th day of Februar}^ of the \'ear 
above named, James Evans was appointed Postmaster and 
McKeesporters threw out their chests in honor of the new dignity 
assumed by the town. Mr. Evans' term only lasted one month, 
and on the 27th of March, Hugh Rowland was appointed and 
established the office in h.is store on Market street near the river, 
transferring it atterwards to the basement of the brick building 
at Market and Second streets. Theodore ]\Iarlin succeeded biim 
July 31st. 1^45. when he moved the office down Second street. 
On April 21st. 1846. his commission was transferred to Perrv 
Baker, who took the office back to Market street. John W'ilkin- 
son secureil the appointment on December 22nd, 1848, — a 
Christmas Gift as it were — and he moved it up town to the cor- 
ner of Market street and the Diamond, where he continued the 
office until March 8th, 1849, when Jacob Dawson succeeded him 
and the office was taken to h.is frame building on the Diamond. 
The late Hon. Thomas Penne_\- seemed the plum April loth. 
1850, and again the office moved — this time to Third and Market. 
He did not hold it there long because S. C. Huev was made 
Postmaster, July 28th. 1N51, and he took the office further down 
Market street. John F. Cochran was the next appointee dating 
from iNIarch 22nd. 1832. but unlike h's predecessors he did not 
move the office. On June 15th. 1853, James K. Scott was com- 
jnissioneci &}id he reipoved the office (Jo^Yn Market gtfeet to a 



34 History of McKeesport. 

point near the river. The next wliirl of tlie poHtical wheel gave the 
office to W. E. Harrison, June 23rd, 1B55, and to prevent the 
custom of "flitting" from falling into disuse, he established the 
office next door to the corner of Market street and the Diamond. 
Another moving the next year placed the office on Market street 
lielow the Diamond, where j\Ir. Harrison held it until Uncle Sam 
gave the office to W. P. Mome^'er on March 27th, 1857. He 
did not change the location, neither did William Mains, who 
succeeded him June 2gth, 1H57, until he had served part of his 
term, when he tool: the office to a room on Market near Fifth street. 
He moved it a seconci time to a building on Fifth near Walnut 
street. James K. Scott took the postal reins March 12, 1S61, 
and attended to the wants of the people in a room nearly opposite, 
afterward removing it to the corner of Market and Fifth streets. 
Mr. Scott died and his widow, Mrs. E. H Scott, was appointed 
Postmistress, September 22nd, 1S64. She took the office down 
Fifth below Market, where it remained under her care until 
November 20th, 1877, when she was succeeded by K. S. Bald- 
ridge, who moved it back to the old stand at Market and Fifth 
streets. 

On October 2gth, 1881, the office was given in charge of 
S. E. Carothers, and, as nearly all his predecessors had done, 
he sought a new location for it which was a room in Masonic Hall 
l:)uilding. He was succeeded on December 4th, 1885 by J. B. 
Shale, who moved the office to the present building on Walnut 
street, where he was succeeded b\- E. M. Soles, July gth, i8go. 

The first postoffice specially designed for a proper distribution 
of the mail is still in existence, and is the propert}' of Mrs. E. E. 
Tassey. daughter of Hugh Rowland. It is an old fashioned 
bureau, part of one of the drawers of which formed the office 
paraphernalia. The drawer was divided b}- Mr. Rowland into 
two compartments. He kept his dress shirts in one compart' 
nient 3|id t}ie mail niatter in t^e other. 



Posi' Office and Postmasters. 35 

Up until the time of the appointment of W. E. Harrison, in 
1855, the postofifice had al\va}'s formed part of a retail store. Mr. 
Harrison was the first to arrange a set of letter boxes and to con- 
duct the office as a separate business. The salar\' at that time had 
arisen to about five luindred dollars per annum and was paid entire- 
ly in commissions. Air. Harrison's bold stroke was considered 
quite a metropolitan stride. Mr. Harrison and B. B. Coursin 
are entitled to the honor of introducing lock-boxes in the local post- 
office. In 1868, they secured the consent of Postmistress Scott 
and furnished the office with one dozen lock-boxes for public use. 

Letter carriers were not allowed the McKeesport office until 
after J. B. Shale became Postmaster. They went into service 
April 2, 1 888, and the force consisted of four men. To-day it 
numbers ten regulars and one "sub." and it makes five deliveries 
and collections daily. The receipts of the office last year were 
nearly $25,000 and the postmaster's salary is $2,600. 

Contrasted with the pioneer postal facilities, the present 
office is an illustration of the progress of the town and city. 
When the office was established, but one mail was received and 
sent out weekly. It was carried on horseback in saddle-bags by 
a bo}', who came across the hills from Pittsburgh to the ferr\'. 
Often when the river was high or full of floating ice, the stream 
could not be crossed and the inhabitants had to wait until the 
elements were more propitious. When the packet line was 
established on the Monongahela river, the boats carried the mails 
and the}' were more frequent. In i860, the mail transportation 
was given to the Pittsburgh and Connellsville railroad and since 
that time the railways have handled it. To-da}' there are fifty-eight 
daih' mails in and out of the cit} , twenty-nine each wa}', and in 
addition to the letter carriers, five clerks are required in the office. 

Demmler Postoffice was established for the accommodation of 
the United States Iron and Tin Plate Company when its works 
were built, because it was putsjde of the borough limitg, Pemniler 



36 



History of McKeesport. 



is now a part of the Eighth Ward of the cit}', but the office has 
never been aboHshed. McKeesport is unique in being tlie onl\- 
city in the United States having within its hmits two separate 
and distinct postoffices, and two postmasters. The Demmler 
office is in charge of Oscar Havekotte. 




^'^^S-^ 




P"''B»>*^ 



The People's Bank, (see pag-e 58). 



McKeesport's Smaller Industries. 



ME first industry we liave any knowledge of was a tan3ard 
established by Samuel Culbertson, in 1802, on the rear of 
the lot on Shaw avenue now owned b}' James S. Kuhn. A resi- 
dence belonging to it stood on what is now the corner of Huey 
and Olive streets. 

About 1820, or verv soon thereafter, James Evans manu- 
factured wool hats and operated a small distiller}-. 

Hugh Rowland erected and operated a carding and fulling 
mill in 1826. It was situated below Second street between 
Market street and Strawberry alley. The power to operate the 
mill was a tramp-wheel rotated by two old horses. It was the 
custom for women from the country districts to ride into town, 
with a slieet or blanket wrapped around a crop of wool, attached 
to the horn of their saddles. They had it carded at Rowland's 
mill to make it read}' for the spinning wheel, which was in those 
days an indispensable implement in every well regulated home. 
Mr. Rowland sold out in 1838 to Robert McMillen, who sub- 
stituted steam as the motive power to take the place of the old 
horses. He added to the industry the weaving of cloth, such 
as boys' trousers were made of in those days. He made 
another addition in the shape of a turning lathe and quite a 
business was done in turning chair stuff, etc. 

In 1829 John Behan erected a grist and saw mill on the 
Northeast corner of Second street and Blackberry alley. In 
1832 John Gray and Isaac Snodgrass built a saw mill near the 
Monongahela river, west of Walnut street, and Joseph Wampler 



38 History of McKeesport. 

was tlie first saw\'er emplo^•ed. The logs used in tlie mill were all 
hauled in from the country on l)ig -'timber wheels." It was several 
years before logs were transported here by river. A saw mill was 
erected b\' Ward c\: Wilson on the Youghiogheny river front in 
1845. John Bridenthal built a mill near the same place about 
1(855. Edward Fisher established a mill near the mouth of 
Crooked Run in 1866. It is now the property of John Shoup l\: 
Co., and eniplo}s a large force of men in connection with the 
business of barge l)uilding. 

A saw mill built by Kinzenbaugh & Co. in 1868 on the Monon- 
gahela, below Martin street, was sold to Ta\lor and Shoup in 
1888. It was burned in 1889. The firm erected a new mill 
near the site of the old one but it shared the same fate on 
August 8th. 1893. 

A grist mill, erected by Coon Ludwick. in 1856, stood at 
the foot of Mulberry alley. It burned down in 1869. Drew iSc 
Davis built a grist mill in 1883 near the Baltimore S: Ohio R. R. 
depot, which was sold to James Evans and known by the title 
"City Milling Company." It burned down December 9th, 1887. 
A grist mill was erected by Noah Hamilton about 1872 at the 
corner of Second street and Blackberry alley, but soon after it 
shared the fate of the others at the hands of the fire fiend. 

The first planing mill here antl known as the Original 
McKeesport Planing Mill, was erected by Neei and Wampler on 
the corner of Third and Walnut streets in. 1867-8. On October 
nth. 1891, the mill burned down. In 1892 the firm purchased 
the Youghioghen}- Mills from Daniel Stratton. which it operates 
to-dav with a force of fift\' men and four teams, and it has not 
missed a pa)-day in t\vent\-five years. 

Rankin & Kline built a planing mill nearly opposite the Balti- 
more & Ohio tlepot on Jerome street, Init a fire wiped it out m 1874. 

Rankin, Wampler & Gemmill established a planing mill on 
the Monongahela at the foot of Martin street in 1872. It 



McKeesport's Smaller Industries. 



39 



changed owners several times and in April, i88g, was purchased 
by the Diamond Lumber Compan}', which has operated it ever 
since, furnishing employment to a large force of men. 

J. B. Shale erected a planing mill in 1885, close to the Balti- 
more & Ohio R. R., near Twelfth street, which he sold to Patter- 
son & Morgan, and the}' in turn to Daniel Stratton. He sold the 
mill to Neel & Wampler. 

Daniel Stratton erected a new planing mill near the Baltimore 
& Ohio R. R. and Tenth street in 1892, which is still in operation. 

After establishing the first tannery here in 1802, Samuel Cul- 
bertson operated it until about 1826 when he sold it to Robert 
Shaw, who continued its operation for many years. 

Samuel C". Hue}' built a tannery near the corner of what is 
now Fifth avenue and Huey street, about 1836, and he success- 
fully operated it for several }'ears. He leased the establishment 
to W. B. Junker & Co. in 1850. This firm abandoned it, pur- 
chasing what was known as the old foundry property on Brick 
alley, in 1856. The firm continued in business for quite a long 
time but finalh' closed it up and the tanning industry here became 
a lost art. 

Brickmaking was somewhat of an industry in the early days 
of McKeesport. The brick for the Rowland mansion were 
made at a yard between Walnut street and the "old graveyard." 
The brick for the Soles' house on Second street were made in 
1839, on the lot now occupied by the First Baptist Church. 
East of Market and between Eighth and Ninth streets was 
another brickyard, ow^ned by John Baker. Another yard was 
established on Brick alley. From this beginning the business 
increased until at the present time it is quite an important industry. 
The building of windmills was an early industry here. About 
1832 John Stillwell carried on the business in a shop, corner of 
Third street and Blackberry alley. He had a peculiar wagon 
built for the purpose and with it he peddled the "wind catchers" 



40 History of McKkesport. 



through the countrx'. In 1H50 the business was carried on more 
extensi\'eK b\' George Goewe}', whose shop was in tht; old grist 
mill on Second street. The industry is now extinct. 

Noble D. Lovel}' established a band box factory about 1S46, at 
the foot of Strawberr\- allew He emjiloyed considerable help 
and drove quite an extensive trade, shipping boxes in (piantities 
East and West. In connection with his band box tactorN' lie 
opened a tenpin allew which was successful for a time, but it was 
sliortdixc'l. He abandoned the bo.x making business about 
i860. 

About 1S47 John Trich erected a l-.rick building near Tenth 
street on the Yonghiogheny river in which he established 
McKeesport's first foundr}-. It was operated in 1S50, b}- Wilkin- 
son, Gray & Co. The jilace Vxas remodeled in 1856 and became 
a tannerw 

Shankland & Stevenson established the Enterprise Foundry 
on the corner of Fifth S: Walnut streets, where White's Opera 
House now stands, in 1849. Some }'ears later additions were 
made to the plant, and the construction of coal wagons, freiglit 
cars and small locon:Oli\es was added. A few passenger cars 
were also built there. The concern emplo}'ed about seventv-five 
hands and ra.nked as a big industry. On the morning of October 
3rd, 1877, the wliole establishment burned down. 

In 1878, a foundrN" was built at the corner of Walnut street and 
Shaw avenue b\' K. [. I\Ia\' v!v Co. It continued in operation 
until i8gi, when it was moved to the corner of \\'alnut and 
Twelfth streets. Idie foundry at the corner of Fourth and Alar- 
tin streets, was erected by Peiine\- & iMilholland in 1885, who 
were succeeded in- John T. Penney & Compain, and tlie_\' in turn 
were follov ed b\ the present owners, tlie McKecsport Machine 
Company, whiih is a successful firm. It operates under a capi- 
tal of $25,000. 

McKeesport tried to dabble in the oil business once. A refinery 



McKeesport's Smaller Industries. 41 

was located on Crooked Run, a short distance above the first 
bridge in 1867, but it proved a faihire and was abandoned in al)out 
a \('ar. 

Another unfortunate project was a soap factory, near the pres- 
ent site of the National RoUiny" MiU. It was built in i86g, but 
proved a failure. 

McKeesport's onl\- glass works was built in 186S, North of the 
Baltimore ev Ohio R. R. and West of Martin street. b\- a 
co-operative company of practical workmen. It continued in 
business with varying success for several }ears, but failure 
followed its efforts, the sheriff sold the plant arid it stood idle 
for some time. In 1S72. Chambers & Co. purchased the works, 
operating it for several years, but with the advent of the ^ear 
1884, giassmaking here was entirely abandoned. 

The Russell Manufacturing Company was organized in 1886, 
with W. E. Harrison, president; James S. Kidm, secretary and 
treasurer, and George Russell, general manager. It did quite a 
large business manufacturing brass goods, plates for tintypes, etc. 
The concern ceased operation in i8gi, and the works remained 
idle for some time. The plant is now occupied b}' the Pittsburgh 
Heating and Supply Companw 

The McKeesport Gas Companx' was organized August nth. 
1870. The warehouse of Fulton, Bollman & Co. was purchased and 
converted into a gas works. It was near the Baltimore and Ohio 
R. R. between Sinclair and Sheridan streets. It made the first 
illuminating gas in December, 1870. Street lamps were lighted 
on the night of December 12th and the populace went wild over 
the innovation, (jas was sold at S2. 50 per thousand feet. There 
were but twent\' street lamps required and tlie agreement with 
the Borough was tliat the lamps should not burn after midnight. 
The present works were erected in Ma}', 1873. The jilant was 
partialh' destroyed b_\' fire on June loth. 1893, but it was immedi- 
ateh' rebuilt. The company now uses the Miller "zigzag" process 



42 History of McKf.e sport. 

of making gas and tlie works has a capacity of 300,000 cubic 
feet of gas per day. Tlie capital stock is S50.000. The ofificers 
are W. Dewees Wood, president; W. F. Knox, vice president; 
J. F. Davitt, secretar\- and treasurer. Directors are W. E. 
Harrison, S. S Crump. R. L. Riggs and R. G. Wood. 

The McKeesport Light Company's works was erected in 1885 
by Reiber Brothers. The contract for hgl.ting the streets of the 
Borough was made on August 23rd, l^SS9. The Company was 
reorganized about tliat time, afterwards going into the hands of 
a receiver. This l)rouglit about a second reorganization which 
holds together to-daw The number of arc lamps first put in 
service to light the streets, was thirty. At present there are 
one hundred and fort\-seven lamps burning and the number is 
steadily increasing. The Company also supplies an incandescent 
system which numbers twent\'-seven hundred lamps, and it 
furnishes motive power for an electric street railway. The cap- 
ital of the Company is $150,000. antl the officers are Horace 
Crosby, president; Homer C. Stewart, secretary. The works 
was partialh' destroyed by fire in Alarch, 1893. but was immedi- 
atel}' rebuilt. 

Natural gas, the most wonderful fuel known to man, was intro- 
duced in 181S5. It was used in all the manufacturing establish- 
nients and in nearh all the business houses and dwellings. The 
communit\- for a time lived, moved and had its being in natural 
gas. 

The Union Gas Company organized in 1885, with W. S. Bissell 
as president and E. F. Woods, secretar}-. It supplies gas for 
domestic use and has the town thoroughly piped in every direc- 
tion. Gas came in unlimited quantities until 1891, when the 
suppl}' failed perceptably and many people reluctantl}' returned 
to the use of coal. Connections have been made with new wells 
from time to time and the Compan}' still has a fair supph which 
hnds a ready market. The manufactories secured their supply 



McKeesport's Smaller Industries. 43 

of gas from tha Versailles Gas Compaii}', tlie National Trans- 
portation Company and the Philadelphia Compan}'. It was and 
is piped from fields ontside of the city. A number of wells were 
put down in and around the cit}', notabh' on Ninth street, in 1892, 
where a temporary flow was secured; hut the local supply never 
cut nnich of a figure. The Grapeville district was perhaps the 
greatest source of suppl\'. 

The McKeesport & Youghiogheny Ice Company w^as organized 
Ma}' 13th, 1886, with a capital of $15,000. It erected a plant to 
make artificial ice, with a capacity of eighty tons per day. At 
present the capital is $100,000., the plant has been doubled and 
the capacit}- is not equal to the demand. E. C. Converse is 
president; K. G. Wood, vice president and J. F. Davitt, secretary 
and treasurer. 

Rhodes' or Reed's brewery was a three-story stone building on 
the present line of Jenny Lind street near Tenth street. No 
data is available indicating the year it was built, but, in 1830, the 
structure had parth' fallen down. 

Watson Mains operated a small distiller)' at the East end of 
the present Fifth avenue, from 1857 to 1867-69. 

Fry's distillery was erected near Riverton in i860, but it con- 
tinued in operation but a short time. 

Thomas Moore erected a distiller}' on the Youghiogheny river 
at the foot of Thirteenth street, in 1878, and has since enlarged 
it considerably. He operates it with a capital of $60,000, and 
emplo\s twent}' hands in all. 

An "old time" industry was a shovel factory, established in 1852, 
by "Uncle Ned" Dewees, but it was abandoned in about two years. 

W. Dewees Wood was interested in a patent sheet iron oil 
barrel, and, in 1861. a factor}' was established here. The following 
}ear it was sold to a Pittsburgh firm which intended to erect a 
big factor}' there, but square tin cans and the subsequent tank 
cars and ships did away with the business entirely. 



44 



History ok McKeesport. 



This substantially completes a history of what might be termed 
the '' smaller industries," from the earl}- days of the little village 
down to the cit\" of to-da\". It is true that there are quite a num- 
ber of other establishments not named, each of which furnishes 
work and wages to workingmen and whose business goes to swell 
the sum total of the extensive trade of the ]M'esent city of 
McKeesport. 

A glance at the leading industries is reserved for the next 
chapter. 





I 











s 



^ 

^ 




McKeesport's Great Industries. 



'HE first manufacturing industry of any great importance to 
seek out the unique advantages of McKeesport was the iron 
works known as Wood's mill, which was erected on the Northeast 
corner of Walnut and Water streets, in 185 1. It was built by 
W. Dewees Wood. He was succeeded in 1855, by Wood, 
Moorhead & Co. who were succeeded b}' Wood & Lid^ens in 
1861. Ten years afterwards, in iSyi.the present owners secured 
possession of the plant, becoming an incorporated company in 
1888, under the style of W. Dewees Wood Compan}'. Its capital 
is $1,500,000. and 'the company's officers are: W. Dewees W^ood, 
president; Richard G. Wood, vice president; Alan W. Wood, 
secretary and treasurer; Thomas D. Wood, superintendent. 
When first started, the mill was a small affair, covering about 
one acre of ground and emplo3'ing thirty-five men. Its output 
was limited accordingly but its projector had within him what is 
termed in trade "the right stuff," and tlie plant grew from that 
small beginning to its present proportions. The plant now covers 
nine acres of land anil furnishes emplo\ment to an average of 
one thousand men in its various departments. The product is 
sheet iron, a specialty being patent planished iron, which takes 
the place of Russia sheet iron for fine w^ork. The output is 
twent\' thousand tons of finished product per year. The Com- 
pany made it an invariable rule from the iirst to pav its employes 
each Saturday, regardless of dissimilar pay-days in other mills. 
The pay-roll now averages $10,000. per week, 



46 History of McKeesport. 

In 1862, Fulton, Bollman & Company erected a "rope walk" 
fronting Walnnt street and running down Fourth to Huey street, 
the building, proper, being something like fifteen hundred feet 
Umg. The firm employed over three hundred hands, the product 
being rojies and twines — from the smallest cord to the heaviest 
and strongest cables. The venture was successful, but a fire 
destroyed the buildings on October 21st, 1S6S. The firm at once 
began the erection of new buildings, but after partially complet- 
ing them, suddenly changed its plans, bought a plant at 
Elizabeth, N. J. and removed the business to that city. 

The National Tube Works Company located here in 1S72, 
purchasing for the original plant the old rope walk property 
of Fulton. Bollman & Companw The mill was completed and 
put in operation promptl}', but the main portion of it was 
destro3-ed bv fire on April gth. 1H73. This was rebuilt and in 
operation again b_\- September ist, of the same year. The "butt- 
weld"' addition was added in 1S74, and it was destroyed by hre 
in June, 1876. 

The growth of this concern has been the wonder of Western 
Penns\lvania. It is to-day classed as the largest industrial 
establishment in the couutr\- and it is the largest tube works in 
the world. When running to its full capacity it employs nearly 
ten thousand hands and its product is shipped to all parts of the 
civilized world. The capital of the Company is $1 1,500,000. and 
it maintains branch offices in the principal cities throughout the 
country. The enormous proportions of this industry, its remark- 
able facilities for turning out tonnage, places it in a position to 
command an extensive trade, and the vast number of men 
necessary to operate the works, makes it largely the mainspring 
of the cit\'s prosperity. It is an establishment that any cit\' in 
the world would be proud to possess. The National pipe mill was 
erected in 1872; the National rolling mill, in 1879; National 
steel plant, in i892-'93_; Monongahela furnaces, in 1892; Bostpi] 




'4\ 




48 History of McKeesport. 

Iron & Steel Works, in 1892-93. The Compan\- also owns the 
Republic Iron Works in Pittsburgh. The tonnage is divided as 
follows: pipe mills, 225,000; steel works, 145,000; Boston mill, 
175,000; furnaces, 160,000; the total tonnage including the 
Republic iron works being 750,000 tons per annum, or 2.500 tons, 
daily. The plant covers an acreage of sixty-six acres, about 
fifty acres of which are under roof. 

Eighteen miles of railway are necessary to distribute material 
about the works and to remove the output for shipment. The 
Compan\- owns ten locomotives, which are necessar\- to move cars 
in the yards. The number of engines to drive the macliiner}' in 
the Tube Works proper is fort3'-two. and about fift}' stationarv 
engines are required in the various other mills. In the Tube 
W^orks are twentj'-four steam pumps and twenty-two steam 
boilers. 

The annual output of this immense j^lant amounts to some- 
thing between $15,000,000 and $20,000,000: and in good times, 
the mills running full, the average weekly pa\'ment of wages 
amounts to $130,000, or for one 3'ear (52 weeks) to the enormous 
sum of $6,760,000, nearly all of which is expended in this cit\'. 

The first officers of the National Tube Works Compan\' were 
J. C. Converse, president: \\\ S. Eaton, treasurer: J. H. Flagler, 
general manager; P. W. French, secretary. 

The present officers of the Compan\' are: D. W. Hitchcock, 
president; E. C. Converse, vice president and general manager: 
A. F. Luke, secretar\' and treasurer: Horace Crosbx' and 
J. H. Pierce, assistant managers. 

McKeesport prides itself for ha\ing within its boundaries the 
pioneer tinjilate works in the T'nitcd States. 

In i(S73-74, a little rolling mill was bu:lt for the purpose of 
manufacturing Tin and Terne Plates, on what was then known as 
the Mehaffy farm. About the same time the boundaries of 
JVIcKeesport, which was then a borough of about three thousanci 



McKeesport's Great Industries. 



49 



inhabitants, were extended, and the new northern boundaries 
were made nearly identical with the Northern border of the 
grounds of these works, that portion of the borough being known 
as the lower Third Ward, or Demmler Station. 

The distance from the center of the city to these works was 
considered quite a long one, and on this account the managers 
of the works succeeded in their effort to have a special Post 
Office established for their works, and in this way it came about 
that McKeesport enjoys to the present date the exclusive privi- 
lege of having two distinct Post Offices within its boundaries. 



-•-"^'^^v, -*'* 



3^ ^^feg 




The United States Iron & Tin Plate Works. 



The Post Office was named "Demmler," after J. H. Demmler, 
then president of the Compan}-. The United States Iron & Tin 
Plate Company was chartered in March, 1873. In the month of 
April, following, W. C. Cronemeyer, the present president and 
general manager of the works, was appointed book-keeper. 

In the beginning the Company had very rough sailing, for 
before the works were completed the p<anic of 1873 broke out, 
and a large number of subscribers to the capital stock could not 
meet their payments; other acjvergities interfered with the pro- 



50 HisTdRV OF McKkf.sport. 

gress, and in consequence ihe works was not put in operation 
until August, 1874. At the annual election in January, 1875, 
W. C. Cronemeyer was chosen secretary. Through the untiring 
personal efforts and the financial aid of President Demmler, the 
business of the Company was soon prospering, and quantities of 
Bright and Terne (roofing tin) Plate were turned out, to the 
excellent quality of which, several roofs, yet intact in this city, 
bear testimony. Yet another serious trouble confronted the 
enterprising managers, and this was foreign competition and 
inadequate protection against the comparatively lower cost of 
production in England and Wales. At first, prices were quite 
remunerative, but as soon as the foreign manufacturers learned 
that the manufacture of tin plate was feasible and promised to 
be successful in this country, they began to lower their prices on 
such special grades as would come in direct competition with the 
home product, and b\' their schemes they forced, for the time 
being, a stoppage of the manufacture of Tin and Terne Plates in 
this country. 

With considerably more expense, the works were reconstructed 
for the manufacture of hue sheet iron and sheet steel. In 1882, 
J. H. Demmler. being then over seventy years old. and desiring 
to retire from active business, arranged a reorganization of the 
Compau}- into a limited partnership under the name of "The 
United States Iron & Tin Plate .Company. Limited." The 
officer's chosen by this partnership were: W. C. Cronemexer, 
chairman; A. J. Demmler, superintendent: William A. Demmler, 
secretary; and F. E. Schenck, treasurer. 

In February. 1883. the works was destroyed by fire, but 
fortunatel}' a part of the iron structure of the main building of 
the Centennial Exposition la\- 'T^^or Sale" in Pittsburgh, and this 
with slight aherations, fitted exactly in place of the one burned 
down. Within three months from the day of the fire the works 
\V£iS a^d'm in full operation, and ever since, the Company has 



McKi:i:si'()R r's Gkkat In'dus tkif.s. 51 

done a prosperous and steadily increasing business. During all 
this time the managers of the Company did not spare any efforts 
to convince Congress that the manufacture of Tin Plates was 
entitled to protection as much as any other branch of the iron 
and steel industry. 

In i8go, the manufacture of Tin and Terne Plate was resumed, 
but as the Company had now built up a desirable trade in fine 
sheet iron and sheet steel which it did not want to give up, a 
large addition, expressly for the manufacture of Tin Plates, was 
made to the works. At about the same time, the Company was 
again incorporated under a charter from the State of Pennsylvania. 
Since the passage of the McKinley Bill the business has increased 
steadil}', the number of employes has grown from about one 
hundred and twenty at the start to about five hundred at the 
present time. 

The present officers of the Company are: W. C. Cronemeyer, 
president; Edward Ely, first vice president; A. J. Demmler 
second vice president; F. E. Schenck, treasurer; W. A. Demm- 
ler. Auditor; Charles V. McLean, secretary. 

The Sterling Steel Company was originall\- Jones, Ingold & 
Compau}', or the Fort Pitt Steel Works. The manufactor}' was 
erected in 1874, and it was first operated on a capital of S30.000. 
The Sterling Steel Compan\' has a large capital and enjovs a 
steady trade, the bulk of its product being consumed by the 
United States government. Connected with these works but 
organized independent of it, is the Sterling-Wheeler Projectile 
Works, which makes projectiles for the heaviest ordnance. Its 
output is taken b}' the United States government. The two 
establishments furnish employment to several hundred men. 



.« 



w 



McKeesport's NetDspapers. 



HS earl}' as 1854 it was thouglit tliat McKeesport could sup- 
port a newspaper, and John Y. Collins tempted fame and 
fortune with the McKeesport Standard, the first number of which 
appeared on December i6th of that year. He broke the jour- 
nalistic ice by establishing his plant in a small, one-story frame 
building on the corner of Walnut street and Church alley. The 
public did not seem to be waiting with bated breath when this 
maiden effort made its appearance, and, for the lack of patronage 
the paper, after passing through the hands of several persons 
who thought a newspaper was a gold mine, died "a natural 
death for the want of breath" in 1861. It was an unequal 
struggle for seven long, weary years. 

John W. Pritchard, a Pittsburgh printer, came here some 
years afterward and believing that conditions were favorable, he 
issued, on June iSth, 1870, the first number of the Paragon. It 
was a weekly paper and started off well, but circumstances 
soon afterward compelled its suspension. On July 2gth, 1871, it 
again appeared, continuing for a time with indifferent success. 
It was subsequently changed to a morning dail)'. The owner 
considered the paper ahead of the town and on that account soon 
sold out. The property passed through several hands and finally 
in September, 1&84, it was placed under the management of 
John B. Scott, who had in the meantime established the daily 
and weekly Record. He published the Paragon as a morning 
daily and the weekly was called the Paragon-Pecord. The John 
B. Scott Publishing Compan}^ continued until June 8th, 1887, 



54 History of INIcKeesport. 

when the Hamilton Bros, leased the ontfit. They put out the 
Monii/i!' S/iii until November 7th. iStSy. T. F. Galvin then 
took hold and he continued until March 6tli. 1888, at which time 
the office was sold to E. C. Hough, who abandoned the daily 
l)ut continued the weekly until April ist, i88g, when he con- 
cluded to remove from ]\IcKeesport and the plant was taken to 
Homestead. 

T/w McKccsport l^iiiics. Republican, weekly, was established 
by B. B. Coursin. Its first issue bore the date. August 5th, 
1871. The weekly was a success from the start, the vigorous 
polic\' of its projector making it much talked about. Sometime 
after he sold the paper to S. E. and J. \'. Carothers. under 
whose direction the daih' edition was established in 1876. The 
death of J. \'. Carothers caused a change in the firm and in 1882 
the paper was purchased by W. A. Dunshee. After some time 
Mr. Dunshee sold the paper to J. C. Tarkington. In March, 
1886, the office and contents, including files, books, etc., were 
consumed bv fire, but the paper was on the street the same da}^ 
as usual. In Juh', 1887, the paper was purchased by Walter S. 
Abbott, the present owner. T/if Times is the oldest paper in the 
city, having continued without interruption for nearly a quarter 
of a century. It occupies its own l)uilding on Walnut street. 
The equipment to-da}' is second to none in the state outside of 
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, including as it does a magnificent 
perfecting press, capable of printing four, six, seven or eight 
page papers. Its news service, local and general, and its tele- 
graphic and special service place it on an equalit\- with the best 
papers in the state. Among notable newspaper men who have 
occupied the editor's chair in l^he Timcs^ office, may be mentioned 
the late Bartley Campbell, who afterwards achieved fame and 
fortune as a great playwright: the late Neil Shaw, who became 
one of the owners of the Pittsl)urgh Dhpatcli, and ranked as one 
of the best newspaper men in the state; and Harry H. Bj'ram, 




m 



^ 



McKeesport's Newspapers. 55 



who took hold of the Pittsburgh CJirduicle-Tclegraph and, putting 
it into good financial shape, placed it on the highway to success. 

The McKccspoi-t Record, a \yeekl3' paper, was established by 
John B. Scott, the first issue appearing April 30th, 1,880. On 
April loth. 1882, the first issue of a daily edition was put on the 
street and was called The Ei'er.iiig Record. Both daily and 
weekl)' continued until September ist, 1884, when the weekly 
was changed to the Paragon- Reco}d. under the management of 
the John B. Scott Printing Companw On May 23rd of that 
year the evening edition of the Record was changed to the 
Alonii/ig Paragon-Record. On June 8th, 1887, it passed into 
other hands and finally ceased April ist, 1889. 

The Tril'inie and Herald was published b}' L. M. Armbrust 
about 1885-87 but it coukln't stem the tide and was removed to 
Greensburg. 

The Daily News was established by Dravo Bros. & Clark July 
ist, 1884. After a short time Mr. Clark retired from the firm 
and the paper was continued by Dravo Bros. On October ist, 
1886, the plant was leased to James L. Devenney, who was 
known as the youngest editor in the state. He afterwards pur- 
chased it outright and associated with him his brother, John 
Devenney, and the\' formed the "News Publishing Compau}'." 
On March 30th, i8gi, a controlling interest was sold to J. B. 
Shale, who is today the active manager, h.. L. Lawson is 
secretary'. The capital of the compaii}' is thirtv-five thousand 
dollars and in its fine building on Walnut street it has a com- 
plete equipment, including telegraph service. A fine perfecting 
press puts out the paper in good form. It prints either four or 
eight pages. The Neius is a successful newspaper, independent in 
politics, and enjoys a good business. 

The Sunday Herald hrs\. made its appearance in August 1882. 
It changed hands frequently and was finally taken hold of by the 
* Herald Publishing Company" in September iBgi. This cor- 



56 



History of McKeestort. 



poration established the Mo7-nin^ Herald September 14th, i8gi. 
The capital of the company is $10,000. The president is Jacob 
P. Nill. It is a six column, four page paper and fulfills its 
mission. 

A number of other newspapers were established here at 
different times but they were small affairs and soon died. The 
town has a newspaper graveyard of considerable proportions. 




Banks and Banking. 



HE banking interests of McKeesport dates back to the 
organization of the Monongahela Valley Bank in 1858, 
chartered with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. 
Alex. Millar was president and Joseph Langley, cashier. The 
bank occupietl the Southwest corner of Fifth and Market streets. 
Through unfortunate management and adverse circumstances 
the bank failed in i860. The town was without a bank until 
January ist, 1866, when F. H. Coursin & Co. opened a banking 
house in the Hiawatha building. S. D. Herron was cashier. 
The bank continued there until April, i86g, when the building 
burned down. The bank located temporarily in a small frame 
building on the Northeast corner of Market street and the 
Diamond but in July, 1870, removed to Masonic Hall building. 
Mr. Coursin sold the bank to the Commercial Banking Compan}', 
of Pittsburgh, in Ma}', 1S71, and it sold out to the Commercial 
Banking Company, of McKeesport, which was organized in 
March, 1872. This organization was merged in the First 
National Bank. 

The First National Bank was organized INTarch ist, 1875, with 
a capital of si.xty-seven thousand dollars. Wm. Whigham 
was president; W. D. Wood, vice president; Thomas Penney, 
cashier and James S. Kuhn, assistant cashier. The first 
board of directors were Wm. Whigham, W. D. Wood, 
Benjamin Coursin, H. B. Sinclair, James L3'nn, James F. Ryan, 
W. E. Harrison, James F. McMullen, H. B. Cochran and John 
F. Neel. Messrs. Neel and Harrison are still members of the 



58 History of McKeesport. 



board. The banking room was in the Masonic building on Fifth 
avenue, where it remained until i8Sr. when the bank moved to its 
own building at Fifth and Walnut streets. The capital was 
increased to one hundred thousand dollars and about two years 
ago, was further increased to two hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars. The deposits when the bank was chartered were one 
hundred and seventy tliousand dollars, but they now average over 
one million and the bank carries a surplus of one hundretl thou- 
sand dollars. The present officers are James S. Kuhn, president; 
W. E. Harrison, vice president: Homer C. Stewart, cashier. 
Directors are Messrs Kuhn and Harrison, James Wilson, John 
F. Neel, E. C. Converse, W. P. Wampler, T. L. White, J. V. 
Pierce, R. G. W^ood, W. S. l\uhn, J. W. Bailie and Chas. W. 
Bailey. 

The People's Bank was organized in February, 1S73, as an 
individual lialMlit\- bank. It began business on the Southwest 
corner of Fifth and Market streets. James Converse was presi- 
dent, C. R. Stuckslager, vice president, and Louis Reiber, 
cashier. Its capital was one hundred thousand dollars. It 
erected its own building on the Southeast corner of Fifth and 
Market streets in 1878, where it still continues business. It was 
reorganized in 1881 under a state charter, with a capital of one 
hundred thousand dollars. It has always done a safe, successful 
business and the stock is hard to bu\'. Its present deposits are 
about one hundred and seventy-six thousand dollars and it 
carries a surplus of ninet}-eight thousand dollars. Present 
officers are C. R. Stuckslager, president; J. G. Leezer, vice 
president and E. W. Pitts, cashier. The directors are: J. G. 
Leezer, John W^ Painter, J. C. Smith, E. P. Douglass, Thomas 
Reynolds, W. W. Hunter, Florence Dittmer, C. R. Stuckslager, 
D. G. Donovan, George M. Leppig, F. H. Busch, W. B. Peters 
and Gilbert F. Myer. 

The National Bank of McKeesport was organized as the Bank 



Banks and Banking. 59 

of McKeesport in Ma}', 1887, with a capital of one hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars. It began business in the White building 
on Fifth avenue. James Evans was president, T. L. White, 
vice president and E. G. Rankin, cashier. It was prosperous 
and in i88g it erected its present fine building at Fifth and Sin- 
clair streets at a cost of ninety thousand dollars. In September, 
i8gi, it was declared a National bank. Its present capital is one 
hundred and fift\' thousand dollars, deposits about three hun- 
dred and sixt\- thousand dollars and it carries a surplus of ninety 
thousand dollars. The present officers are James Evans, presi- 
dent; Horace Crosby, vice president; David H. Rhodes, cashier. 
Directors are A. B. Campbell, J. W. Crawford. E. F. Woods, 
S. O. Dowry. W. C. Soles, R. L. Riggs, Knox C.Hill. H. W. 
Hitzrot, W. C. Cronemeyer and E. J. Ta\ior. 

The Citizens' National Bank was organized in 1893 with 
Samuel W. Shaw, president; Geo. B. Warren, vice president 
and Bernard Volk, Jr., cashier. It began business in the Shaw 
building on Fifth avenue. Its capital is one hundred thousand 
dollars and its deposits, at the time of the last statement, were 
fort3'-five thousand seven hundred; surplus, three thousand. 
The present officers are as above named and the following direc- 
tors: S. G. Pollock, J. P. Nill. D. Pierce, A. Y. Shaw, E. E. 
Dearborn, James Nicholls, Matthew Henderson, P. J. Sellers, 
J. N. Hartman and M. D. Kelley. The bank has done well 
during its first year of existence, in the face of a business de- 
pression which spread aU over the countr}'. 




Telegraph and Telephone Seroice. 



HE Western Union Telegraph Compan}' opened its first 
office here in 1865. The Baltimore & Ohio R. R. 
(formerly the Pittsburgh & Connellsville) erected a telegraph 
line soon after the road was opened. 

The Bell Telephone was introduced here for public use in the 
spring of 1883. The first 'phone used here was some months 
prior to that time, it being on a private line of the W. Dewees 
Wood Company between this city and Pittsburgh. 

The Shaver Telephone system was put in operation in 1893 b}' 
the McKeesport Telephone Company. 

The Long Distance Telephone Company extended its lines to 
this cit)- in 1894, established a Pay Station and put the city in 
connection with its entire service throughout the countr}'. 




Building and Loan Associations. 



fflcKEESPORT to-day is a city of homes, made so, largely 
through the instrumentality of building and loan associa- 
tions. 

The first association was called the Mutual, and was organized 
in 1870, with W. E. Harrison as president and D. C. Huffman, 
secretar}', who were continued in office during its entire exist- 
ence. It had a capital stock of five hundred shares, of the 
par value of two hundred dollars, on the terminating plan. The 
association was so successful that it would have closed its busi- 
ness in eight vears and three months, had not the treasurer 
defaulted to the amount of over thirteen thousand dollars. To 
make up this deficiency it was necessary to continue business for 
six months longer to close out. It was finally closed in 1880, 
payments being made for a period of eight years and nine 
months. James Evans was the first solicitor, who was succeeded 
by John E. Speer. 

The Enterprise Building and Loan Association was organized 
in 1873 with Joseph Ecoff, president, and James S. Kuhn. sec- 
retary. It retained these officers and was successfully closed in 
1S81. 

The Union Savings Fund and Loan Association was chartered 
in 1881. H. W. Hitzrot was president and E. E. Dearborn, 
secretary. It operates on the serial plan. The original officers 
are still in charge and the association has been ver\- successful. 
The Union Savings Fund and Loan Association No. 2 was 
prgani^ed with the sam^ officers, in Mar^h 1886, It was sue- 



62 History of McKeesport. 

cessful and is still in operation. A third organization was 
deemed necessary to meet the demand, and in Februar}', 1887, the 
Home Security Building and Loan Association was organized. 
Again the same officers were chosen and it is in successful 
operation to-day. • 

The officers and directors of the above three associations are 
also at the head of the Fifth Avenue Savings and Loan Associa- 
tion, recently organized and chartered. The scope of the latter 
association is much broader than the others, and being perpetual, 
is expected to develop a strong and safe institution, in some 
respects superior to all the others. 

The McKeesport Building and Loan Association was organ- 
ized in June, 1887, with J. B. Shale, president, and E. W. Pitts, 
secretary. These officers are still in control and the association 
is successful. It has what is known as a perpetual charter and 
its capital is one million dollars. 

The New Enterprise Building and Loan Association was 
organized in October 1887 with Joseph Ecoff president and Geo. 
D. Bossart secretary Its capital is one million dollars and its 
charter is perpetual. The present officers are W. E. Harrison, 
president and E. H. Leizure, secretary. 



QJQ> 



McKcesport's Railroads. 



(D 



KEESPORT'S pioneer railroad was the Pittsl)urgh & 
Connellsville, which built its track through town in 1857, 
and passenger cars were put in service, connecting with the 
Penns3'lvania R. R. at Brinton, soon afterwards. Travel between 
here and Pittsburgh was continued in that manner until 1861, 
when the Pittsburgh & Connellsville line was completed to Pitts- 
burgh. To encourage the building of this railway the Borough 
of McKeesport subscribed for one hundred thousand dollars' 
worth of the company's bonds in 1854. Afterwards, the borough 
Council repudiated the subscription and the bonds were sold. 
Nobody heard anything about them for years but they finally 
floated to the surface and the holders secured judgments against 
the borough for upwards of one hundred thousand dollars; and 
the town was compelled to issue thirt}'-\ear bonds to pay 
them oft. The cit\' in turn assumed the bonds and the old 
part of the city pays taxes to this day on the bonds. The 
debt could have been wiped out, at one time, for $15,000. The 
Baltimore & Ohio R. R. absorbed the Pittsburgh lv: Connells- 
ville line some years ago, and to-day, McKeesport is on its trunk 
line from New York to Chicago. Thirtj^-six passenger trains 
stop at its depot daily, and its freight business is enormous. 
The Pittsburgh, \'irginia & Charleston, known as the INIonon- 
gahela Division of the Pennsylvania R. R., was put in operation 
in 1873. To-day that road furnishes McKeesport with the 
freight service of the entire system controlled by the Pennsyl- 
vania I^. R. Twenty-six passenger trains run daily and it enjoys 
a large freight business, 



64 



History of McKeesport. 



The Pittsburgh, McKeesport & Youghiogheny R. R. forms a 
division of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie R. R. (the Vanderbilt 
system). Its construction was completed in 1883, and the first 
passenger train passed over the road in November of that year. 
It now operates five daily trains each way, carrying an average 
of four thousand passengers monthly. It also handles an 
immense freight tonnage, which is constantly increasing. 

The McKeesport & Belle Vernon R. R. is another division of 
the Lake Erie, or Vanderbilt system. It was opened for passen- 
ger travel in tlie Fall of 1888, and now it operates three daily 
trains each wa}'. It also enjoys a big freiglit business, particu- 
larly in the transportation of coal. 

The total tonnage in McKeesport freights, in and out of the 
city, is difficult to ascertain, but a conservative estimate places it 
at 1,800,000 tons per annum, which is an indication of the volume 
of McKeesport's big trade. The raihvav freight and passenger 
facilities enjoyed by McKeesport. are second to no city in the 
country. In addition to the railway service, the city is on a 
waterwa}', connecting it with the entire Ohio and Mississippi 
valleys. 







City Passenger Raitoays. 



ai 



HAT is now called the McKeesport & Reynolclton Passen" 
ger Railway Company was originall}^ a horse-car line. It 
secured its first franchise in the year 1887 and built a single 
track road from the foot of Market street to Fifth avenue, and 
out that thoroughfare to Center street. With the development 
of the city, it became necessary to extend and improve the ser- 
vice. Horses were abandoned and electricity substituted, the 
new lines getting into operation in 1892. Its lines reach from 
the Dravosburg bridge, through Reynoldton and through the 
city to the Eastern end of Fifth avenue, with branch lines up 
Walnut street and Evans' avenue. It is a great convenience and 
enjo}s a growing and successful business. It has been of won- 
derful assistance in building up the city. J. C. Smith is president 
of the Company. 

The Citizens' Passenger Railway Company operates an electric 
line from Fifth avenue and Locust street, up through Riverview 
Park to the terminus of Jenny Lind street, and will be extended 
considerably in the near future. It began operations in May, 
1893. 

The White Traction line is an electric road starting from the 
foot of Riverton street and, crossing the Duquesne bridge, extends 
to the lower end of the town of Duquesne. It began operations 
in 1 88 1 and it brings a good deal of trade into the cit}'. 

The McKeesport & W^ilmerding electric road was constructed 
in 1893. It connects McKeesport and Wilmerding and is devel- 
oping the new town of East McKeesport. It is a mail, express and 



66 



History of McKeesport. 



frenght route, connecting with the Pennsylvania R. R. The 
road is unicjue in its ability to overcome successfully a ver}- high 
hill between its termini. It is the highest hill in Allegheny 
county. 

The Versailles Traction Company has in operation part of a 
system, constructed last year, which is ultimately to extend from 
Fifth avenue to Boston, Pa. 





McKeesport's Bridges. 



IN 1865, a charter for a bridge over the Youghiogheny river 
at the foot of Third street, was obtained by B. B. Coursin 
and W. E. Harrison, but tlie river men opposed it vigorously 
and it never materiaHzed. The present bridge at that point was 
constructed by the McKeesport and Re3'noldton Bridge Com- 
pany, in 1884. The company was chartered with W. E. 
Harrison, president, and James S. Kuhn, secretary. The struc- 
ture cost about sevent}' thousand dollars. 

The Dravosburg Bridge across the Monongahela river, con- 
necting Dravosburg and Reynoldton, was built b}' a company in 

1891, at a cost of one hundred and ten thousand dollars. John 
M. Risher is president of the compan}-. 

The Duquesne Bridge was erected in i8gi, b}' the Duquesne 
Bridge Company, at a cost of about two hundred thousand dol- 
lars. It is a long structure. T. L. White is president. 

The Port View Bridge spans the Youghiogheny and con- 
nects the city with Port View. It was opened for travel in 

1892, and it cost about fift}' thousand dollars. W. P. Wampler 
is president. 

The Boston Bridge joins Boston and Versailles, suburbs of the 
city. It was completed in 1893 at a cost of about sixty thousand 
dollars. John W. Painter is president. The capital is eighty- 
thousand dollars. 

The above are all passenger and vehicle bridges and they join 
much suburban territory to the city, rendering travel and trade 
much easier and adding greatly to the prosperity of the city. 



68 



History of McKeesport. 



In addition to these bridges are two railroad bridges, one 
across the Youghiogheny river over which tlie Pittsburgh, 
McKeesport & Youghiogheny R. R. and the McKeesport & 
Belle Vernon R. R. pass; and the other spanning the Monon- 
gahela, b}' which the Penns} Ivania R. R. gains access to the city. 
These bridges are invaluable for the transportation of freight in 
and out of the city. 




Schools and School Houses. 



I IE earliest record obtainable of school teaching in 
McKeesport was the engagement in the profession by 
Andrew Hendrickson, in 1816, long before a school house had 
been erected here. The next pedagogue was Dr. McClelland, a 
brother-in-law of the late Oliver Evans, and father of the late 
Col. Wm. McClelland, who was Adjutant-General of Pennsyl- 
vania. He taught a school in a small frame addition to the East 
end of the old Evans' mansion, on the present site of Wood's 
mills, in 1831. 

Before the erection of a school building in town the old timers' 
ideas were generally taught to shoot in a country school house, 
about a quarter of a mile South of the present city limits, near 
where Christy Park begins. The house was built of logs, one log 
being left out of each side and the space thus formed being filled 
in with 8x10 glass to afford the necessary light. Asaph Atwater, 
afterward burgess of the town, was the schoolmaster and he 
ruled the }Oungsters with an iron hand; and be it said to his 
credit he taught them something. Among his scholars were the 
Hueys, Bakers, Harrisons, Stewarts, etc., some of whom are 
still living here. 

The first school house in town, an illustration of which appears 
on page 20, was built by private subscription in 1832. Hamilton 
Stewart, father of John W. Stewart, was the contractor who 
erected the structure. Joseph Wampler, father of W. P. 
Wampler, sawed the boards which went into the building for 
weatherboarding and flooring. It was situated on Fourth street 



70 History of McKeesport. 

west of Market, on the Diamond, right in the middle cf the 
street Its dimensions were twenty by thirty-two feet, quite 
insignificant when compared with the present commodious 
school buildings, equipped with every modern convenience. 
The little school house was moved from the Diamond, in 1849, 
to the lot adjoining the parsonage of the First Presb}terian 
church, where it remains to-day, a reminder of the past. The 
first teacher to wield the birch in this little school was a Mr. 
Higl}'. He was followed in succession by Messrs. Pentecost, 
Hicks, Coulter, McGahan, Atwater. Jamison, Sloughfter, Carroll, 
Wampler, John F. Dravo and Wm. Colvin. 

The first public school house was a frame building, erected in 
1841, East of Walnut and between Eighth and Ninth streets. 
After being used for several Nears it was converted into a dwellirg 
and is at the present time a part of the residence of Audle)' 
Calhoun. The first teacher in that building was Dr. James E. 
Huey, who was assisted during the first term b}' John Rowland. 
His assistant during the second term was W. E. Harrison. 

The next public school building was more pretentious. It was 
a three-story brick structure and stood on the corner of Market 
and Sixth streets, the site of the present First ward building. 
It was built in 1849 and after several }ears service it was torn 
down; and in 1863 the pi'esent Iniilding was constructed. R. L. 
Riggs was the first principal who had charge of the scliools in the 
latter building. 

The Second ward, or Walnut street buikling, was erected in 
1880, at a cost of twenty-one thousand, four hundred dollars; 
Fifth avenue building in 1884, cost forty thousand, three hundred 
dollars; Ninth avenue in 1890, cost thirt\' thousand, two hundred 
and forty-eight dollars; South Park in 1890, cost thirt_\'-one 
thousand, five hundred and sixty dollars; East End followed and 
it was enlarged, in 1893, at a cost of eighteen thousand, eight 
hundred and sixt^-eight dollars. In addition to these buildings 



Schools and Sch-ool Houses. 



71 



the "Third ward frame" was built in 1870, but was abandoned 
soon afterward. At the present time a new sixteen-room build- 
ing is being erected in the Seventh \\'ard to cost thirty-five 
thousand dollars, to be called the Centennial School Build- 
ing. McKeesport's public schools are second to none in 
the state. The ta.x levy for 1893 was five mills for school, 




Centennial School House, Seventh Ward. 



and one mill for sinking fund, which produced seventy- 
seven thousand, one hundred and si.\t\'-one dollars; the state 
appropriation was seventeen thousand, nine hundred and 
seventy-nine dollars, making over ninety-five thousand dollars 
available for school use for one year. The bonded debt of tha 
school district is one hundred and four thousand dollars and it 



72 History of McKeesport. 

has in the sinking fund the sum of twelve thousand, seven hun- 
dred and thirty-three dollars and fortN'-seven cents, leaving the 
net debt, in 1893. ninety-one thousand, two hundred and sixty-six 
dollars and fift\'-three cents. 

Prof. H. F. Brooks is City Superintendent, at a salary of 
eighteen hundred dollars per annum; E. S. Day, principal of 
the High school, salary fourteen hundred dollars: R. O. 
Waldron, supervisor of writing; F. W. Squibb, principal Mar- 
ket street building, salary twelve hundred dollars; M. H. Miller, 
principal Walnut street building, salary fourteen hundred dol- 
lars; H. P. McMichael, principal Fifth avenue building, salary 
fifteen hundred dollars; W. H. McMullen. principal South Park 
building, salarv twelve hundretl dollars; Prof. Silsby, principal 
East End building, salary twelve hundred dollars. The frame 
building is presided over by Mrs. Sadie A. Camp, at a salary of 
four hundred and ninety-five dollars. The entire number of 
teachers employed is seventv-eight and the total number of 
scholars enrolled is four thousand, two hundred and ninet}'-nine. 
The salaries for the school term aggregate forty-eight thousand, 
four hundred and sixty-two dollars. 

Free text books were introduced in the schools, February ist, 
1892, and the number of books in use is ten thousand, eight 
hundred. 

The first City Superintendent was T. F. Newlin, elected in 
1881. He established the high school. He was succeeded by 
Charles A. Dean, who was followed by P. A. Shanor; and he 
was succeeded by the present incumbent, H. F. Brooks. 

In addition to the public schools are the Roman Catholic 
schools. St. Peter's school building on Market street accom- 
modates seven hundred scholars, and is a fine structure, costing 
forty thousand dollars; and a convent building adjoins it which 
cost fifteen thousand dollars. St. Mary's church, on Olive 
street, conducts a large school, about tw'o hundred and fifty 



Schools and School Houses. 



73 



scholars being in attendance there. The German Lutheran 
congregation sustains a successful school in its own building, on 
Olive street. 

The McKeesport Military College is a flourishing institution. 
It recently increased its capital to one hundred thousand dollars 
and is about to erect a commodious college building. It suc- 
ceeded Gressly college. Its president is W. P. Wampler. 





H 



b^ 



Market Houses. 



HE first market house was erected in 1851 b}' Lewis Soles, 
a contractor, for one thousand, one hundred and forty 
dollars. It was situated on the Diamond, East of Market 
street. It was a two story brick building, the first floor being 
the market, the second floor divided to accommodate a 
town hall, council chamber and town jail. The structure was 
torn down in 1872. 

Incidents recalled in connection with the old jail are that 
James Fife, Monroe Stewart and Charlotte Jones, murderers of 
old Mr. Wilson and sister, were confined there on May ist, 1857. 
The borough constable in 1851 was Casper Walthour and while 
taking a prisoner up the stairs, he was interfere^ with by Wm. 
Kitchen. Walthour struck him on the head with a heavy cane, 
fractured his skull and Kitchen died in a few days. Walthour 
was arrested, tried, convicted and was sent to the penitentiary 
for five years. 

The town was without a market house for several years, prob- 
ably because there was too much jail mixed with the business 
of the original structure, but in 1884 the present market house 
was erected b}' a private company, of which W. E. Harrison was 
president and D. C Huffman secretary. The company effected 
an agreement with the borough, that it have the use of the build- 
ing for ten years and then to sell out to the municipality for 
ninety per cent, of its original cost, which was not to exceed 
fifteen thousand dollars. The venture proved a profitable invest- 
ment for the stockholders. 



^^ ^.r 




QrosscvpAH^fsrfJf^^. 



UNION CHURCH. 
The first church edifice erected in McKeesport. 



McKeesport's Churches. 



HERE may liave been religious services held at an earlier 
period, and doubtless there were, but the first preaching in 
McKeesport that we can get any data for, was in the year 1801, 
by Rev. Boyd Mercer, a Presbyterian clerg3'man. There was no 
church building here at the time, and services were held in the 
homes of the inhabitants and, in fine weather, in the open air. 

The first church building was erected on the lots donated for 
the purpose by John McKee, at Market and Sixth streets. The 
church was built in i8ig. It was about forty feet square, was 
constructed of brick, and only a single story in height. The 
structure was never entirely finished. The inside walls were not 
plastered, and the ceiling was of boards, rather roughly put in 
place. It was a union church, but was occupied principally 
by Presbyterians, as that denomination included most of 
the inhabitants. In 1842, the building was razed and a larger 
one erected on the same site by the Presbs'terians. It was used 
for ten years, when it was torn down and the present building was 
dedicated in 1852, during the pastorate of Rev. Nathaniel West, 
D. D. The first regular pastor of the congregation was Rev. Alex. 
McCandless, who preached here but one-third of his time. He 
was called in 1824 and remained pastor until 1837. He received a 
salary of one hundred and fifty dollars per annum. In 1830, he 
organized and established the first Sunday School. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Burton, who came here in 1839, and he was 
succeeded as follows, in the years given: William Eaton, 
1841; Samuel Hill, 1845; P. H. Jacob, 1846; Nathaniel West, 1851- 



78 History of McKeesport. 

R. F. Wilson, 1856; G. W. Hair, i86g; J. W. Wightman, 1872; 
Samuel McBride, 1877; George N. Johnson, 18S0; and J. J. 
McCarrell, 1884, who is pastor at the present time. 

In the first organization of the Presbyterian Church, which was 
effected in i8ig, William Penney, William Sill and James Evans 
were elected ekiers and were ordained in 1820. The present 
enrollment of members is five hundred and sixty-nine. The 
benevolent contributions last 3'ear amounted to four thousand, 
nine hundred and fifty dollars. The pastor's salary is two thou- 
sand dollars per annum and lie is provided with a parsonage 
worth a rental of five hundred dollars per annum. The 
number of scholars in the Sunday School is four hundred and 
sevent\'-two, per last report. The Presbyterians were the 
pioneers in establishing church-work here. An incident worthy 
of mention in this connection is, that in this church, to-day, are 
thirt}'-five persons belonging to one family, viz: the Edmundson's. 

From the most reliable, obtainable information, the first 
Methodist class was formed here about 1834. It was composed 
of R. S. McInt^Te, Mrs. Samuel Hunter. ]\Irs. John Lauder and 
Mrs. John Baker. Its first leader was a Mr. Cranling. This 
formed the nucleus of the Methodist church, but it was not until 
1 84 1 -2, that the conference recognized it with an appointment, at 
which time the class consisted of twelve members, the leader of 
which was Michael Dravo, the father of John F. Dravo. 
The church was made a part of the Miller circuit, and 
the first pastors were Revs. Rich and Foster. The}- were 
followed by Revs. Jeremiah Knox and Johnathan Kramer. 
Before they had a church, the Methodists were permitted 
to hold services in the Baptist church, which stood on 
Blackberry alley below the Diamond. The pastors following 
those already named are appended: l^evs. W. H. Lynch, D. L. 
Dempsey, W. F. Louck, J. Gibson, William Cooper, H. D. Fisher, 
Josiah Mansell, Burkett, G. A. Lohman, John Coyle, L. 



McKeesport's Churches. 79 

R. Beacom, H. L. Cliapman. Jolin J. Moffatt, D. A. McCready, 
W. B. Watkins, S. P. Wolf. C. W. Smith. H. L. Chapman, J. W. 
Baker, T. N. Boyle, R. B. Mansell and G. W. Terbush. 

The Methodists built their first house of worship in 1843, under 
the pastorates of Knox and Kramer. It was erected on a lot 
adjoining the corner of Market and Fifth streets, where it remains 
to-da)', forming the rear portion of a business house. In 1846, 
the congregation required a larger building, and a two-story brick 
structure was erected on the corner of Market and Fifth streets, 
where the People's Bank now stands. It was erected under the 
pastorate of Rev. W. H. Lynch. The third, or present large 
building, corner of Walnut and Penney streets followed, under 
the pastorate of Rev. W. B. Watkins. The present member- 
ship is seven hundred and sixt}. The benevolent contributions 
for 1893, were nine hundred and eight}'-three dollars. The 
pastor's salar\'. including rental of the parsonage, is twenty-two 
hundred dollars. The Sunday school was organized about 1843, 
and its present membership is seven hundred and fifty. Milo H. 
Miller is superintendent. 

The First Baptist Church, first chartered as the McKeesport 
Regular Baptist Church, originated through William Stone 
and Nathaniel Tibbets, who organized a congregation in June, 
1820. with seven members, viz: James Penney and wife, Leonard 
Long and wife. Am. Watkins, Elizabeth Cairnes and her daugh- 
ter. The congregation worshipped for years in a frame building 
on Blackberry alley, below the Diamond, erected in 1838, on a lot 
donated by James Penney. The building cost about eight hun- 
dred dollars. Prior to the erection of this church the congrega- 
tion met in the Union church. In 1867, it moved to its present 
building at the corner of Walnut and Sixth streets. The par- 
sonage adjoining was erected in 1876. Present membership is 
five hundred and fort3'-one, and a Sunday school flourishes with 
three hundred and fifty members. 



8o History of McKeesport. 

The church was first served by pastors from the Salem cliurch, 
in Westmoreland count}', but in i!^37 it became self-sustaining 
and Rev. Milton Sutton was installed as pastor in that year. 
His successors were as follows in the }ears named: J. C. 
Rockefellow in 1839; James Estep, 1845; A. G. Eberhart, 1847; 
S. D. Morris, 1851; Frederick Douglass, 1852; William Penney, 
1853; J. F. Penney, 1855; C. H. Remington, 1856; Moses Heath, 
1857; N. K. Hickman, 1861; William WHiitehead, 1S63; J. K. 
Cramer, 1867; G. A. Ames, 1868; W. H. McKinney, 1871; 
William Codville, 1876; and the present pastor, C. A. Hare, in 
1891. 

The Fifth Avenue Baptist Church was originally a mission 
under the care of the First Baptist church. It was organized as 
an independent church, January 26th, 1893, taking out of the old 
church one hundred and nineteen members. A building was 
purchased from John Trich for five thousand dollars, which was 
converted into a church and Rev. William Ryan was called to 
the pastorate. It conducts a large Sunda}- school. The con- 
gregation has outgrown its present quarters, and arrangements 
are being completed to erect a modern church edifice. 

The First Reformed Church was organized in October, 1882, 
with eleven members. The church building, corner of Sinclair 
and Ringgold streets, was dedicated November loth, 1874. 
The present membership is one hundred and two, and the Sun- 
day school membership is eighty-nine. The pastor's salary is 
seven hundred dollars, and the church is free from debt. Rev. 
H. D. Darbaker is the pastor and has been since the organiza- 
tion of the congregation. 

The United Presbyterian Church, located on Sixth street, was 
organized October loth, 1851, with fifty-four members and five 
elders, the latter being Samuel Shaw, James Shaw, Samuel 
Foster, James B. Mitchell and John Pollock. Its first church 
edifice was erected that year. The present building was erected 




The National Bank of McKeesport. (see page 58) 



McKeesport's Churches. 8i 

in 1871. Rev. A. G. Wallace was the first pastor in 1854, suc- 
ceeded by Matthew McKinstry in 1857, A. H. Elder in 1863, 
James Kelso in 1877, and A. I. Young, the present pastor, 
in 1886. The present membership is two hundred and sixty 
and the Sabbath school has an enrollment of three hundred and 
fift}', with fort3-two officers and teachers. The church contri- 
butions for local and mission work last year was eighteen dollars 
and forty-two cents per member. The pastor's salary is fifteen 
hundred dollars. 

The Second Metliodist Church was organized in 1883. Prior 
to that time its members worshipped in a frame building erected 
on Fifth avenue in 1881, which they continued to occupy until 
i8go. On May 22nd, i88g, the congregation began the erection 
of a new church on Coursin street and on June 2gth, i8go, it 
was dedicated and named the Coursin Street M. E. Church. The 
ground and building cost twenty-seven thousand dollars. This 
structure was destroyed by fire on March 2gth, i8g2, but it was 
rebuilt and re-dedicated on December nth, i8g3. The present 
membership is five hundred and twenty-five. Its Sunday school 
was organized in March, i88g, by Thomas McGraw, with fifteen 
members. It now has an enrollment of three hundred and fifty- 
eight. The first pastor was Rev. J. B. Taylor, who served three 
years; Rev. S. W. Davis, five years; Rev. George Orbin, two years; 
and the present pastor. Rev. D. Flannigan, is in his second year. 

The Third M. E., or Sixth Avenue M. E. Church, held its first 
public service on December i8th, 1881, in Grand Army hall, and 
in March, 1882, rented a room in the Bowman building. In the 
summer of 1882 it bought a lot oil Shaw avenue and erected a 
building which was dedicated on October igth, of that year, by 
Rev. W. B. Watkins. Later, the building was removed to Locust 
street and Sixth avenue. Its first pastor was Rev. J. Dillen, who 
was appointed in November, 1882. He was succeeded by R. 
Morrow in 1883; H. Winnett and Wm. Long in 1884, G. Cable 



82 History of McKeesport. 

and M. McCurdy in 1885; W. Silbaugh in 1886; H. Winnett 
and A. Cameron in 1887; J. F. Smith in 1888; M. D. Lichleiter 
in i8gi and Nelson Davis, the present pastor, in 1893. Under 
the pastorate of Rev. Lichleiter, in 1892, the present church 
edifice was erected on Sixth avenue, at a cost of twenty thousand 
dollars, and the name was changed to Sixth Avenue M. E. Church. 
The present membership is about two hundred, and the Sunday 
school has about that number of scholars. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 
Januar}', 1888, with twenty-eight members. At present there are 
over one hundred names on the membership roll. The congre- 
gation owns its church on the corner of Ninth avenue and Locust 
street. The building was dedicated Februar}' 21st, 1892. Last 
vear its benevolent contributions amounted to about one hun- 
dred dollars. The Sunday school has a membership of over one 
hundred scholars. The church building was erected under the 
pastorate of Rev. J. C. F. Rupp. 

The German Evangelical Protestant Church liad an organiza- 
tion here in 1S46. under a different name, but was organized 
under its present name in 1858. The congregation first wor- 
shipped in the little Methodist church on Market street, which it 
bought, in 1847, for six hundred dollars. The present brick 
building, on Walnut street, was dedicated on October 15th, 1871, 
Rev. Haddeus, a former pastor, preaching the sermon. Rev. 
D. Lehman was pastor at the time and continued to be until his 
death, in 1884. He was succeeded some time after h\ the 
present pastor. Rev. Gustave A. Schmidt. The church also 
owns a parochial school and a parsonage. A list of the pastors 
caring for the welfare of the church is as follows: Revs. Daniel 
Meier, J. T. Zoller, H. T. Freeman, G. Groff, Charles Haddeus, 
R. Mutchol and G. A. Schmidt. The present membership is three 
hundred families. George Kinzenbaugh, one of the charter 
members, still lives here. 



McKeesport's Churches. 



83 



The Central Presbyterian Church was formed by a committee 
of Redstone Presbytery, December 8th, 1871, with forty-nine 
members. The present membership is one hundred and eighty- 
one. Services were first held in a frame building on Union ave- 
nue. The present church edifice, corner of Versailles and Union 
avenues, was erected in 1892, at a cost of twenty-three thousand 




Croasa/PSi t*'e?i, f ^. Co ^-/^ 



CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

(Illustrating present cliiircli architecture). 



dollars. The benevolent contributions last year amounted to 
over four hundred and fifty dollars, beside which the congrega- 
tion contributed seven thousand, two hundred and seventy-one 
dollars for purposes directl}- connected with the church. The 
Sunday school enrollment is four hundred and forty-nine. 
Rev. C. B. Hatch is pastor, at a salary of fifteen hundred dollars. 



84 History of McKeesport. 

The First German M. E. Church started as a mission in 1886, 
under the care of Rev. H. Barr, who, in 1888, was succeeded by 
Rev. D. A. Stohl. In the spring of i88g, with a membership of 
thirty, the congregation purchased the old Second M. E. church 
building, on Fifth avenue, for five thousand dollars. This 
property was sold in 1892, for eight thousand dollars. Tlie 
present site, at Fifth and Hazel streets, was bought for three 
thousand, five hundred dollars and the new church erected at a 
cost of five thousand dollars. In September, 1893, Rev. Bock- 
statler took charge. The membership is now forty and there 
are about that number of scholars in the Sunday school. 

The Covenanter, or First Reformed Presbyterian Church, 
erected its present building on Penney avenue in 1874. First it 
owned the old Baptist church on Blackberry alley, and it was 
organized as a McKeesix>rt church, April 27th, 1882. The first 
regular pastor was Rev. J. H. WN'lie, who resigned Jul} ist, 
1887. The present membership is small and the church has had 
no regular pastor for some time. 

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized Novem- 
ber 19th, 1879, b\' one hundred and nine members, who with- 
drew from the First Presbyterian church. It was first known as 
an independent Presbyterian church, but on June 20th, 1880, 
it was taken into the Cumberland Presbytery. Its brick church, 
corner of Fifth avenue and Sheridan street, was dedicated in 
November, 1882, under the pastorate of Rev. Samuel McBride. 
He was succeeded by Revs. M. B. Dewitt, G. W. Willingham, 
G. W. Montgomery and the present pastor, U. W. MacMillan. 
Present membership, three hundred and twent\-five. 

St. Stephen's Episcopal church first organized as a mission in 
i86g. In 1872 a small frame chapel was erected. The present 
fine stone church was dedicated on Easter Sunday, 1888. The 
rectors in regular order follow: Revs. S. S. Bell, B. B. Killi- 
kelley, J. B. Norman, R. Beckett, E. W. Smith, Thomas White, 



McKeesport's Churches. 85 

D. C. Peabod}-, H. G. Schorr, John Graham and J. W. Foster. 
At present the cluirch is without a rector. 

In the spring of 1885 a few colored people met in Odd Fellows' 
hall and organized the African Methodist Episcopal Church as a 
mission. In the following October the}' secured their first regu- 
lar pastor in the person of Rev. Sand}- Christian. Soon after- 
ward the members bought a lot on Locust street and erected the 
building they now occupy, the last payment on it being made 
on June gth, 1888. The pastors have been Revs. T. H. Cyrus, 
Sandy Christian, S. H. Lacy, A. E. Waldron, J. W. Riley, C. 
H. Brown and R. M. Henderson. The pastor's salary is two 
hundred and seventy-five dollars and there are t\vent}-eight 
members. 

The Swedish Evangelical Church was organized as the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran church,, in 1884. but reorganized in Februar}-, 
1887, under its present title. The brick church building, corner 
of Locust and Thirteenth streets, was erected in 1888, at a cost 
of three thousand, five hundred dollars. Rev. C. A. Blomgren 
was the first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. N. J. Fosberg 
and he by the present pastor, Rev. O. Strand. In the beginning 
of the present year there were one hundred and thirty communi- 
cants. The whole membership, including children, is two hun- 
dred and twenty-one. 

The First Swedish Evangelical Church was organized on June 
gth, 1882, with twenty members. Rev. F. Edquist was pastor. 
The congregation erected a frame building, in 1884, on Jenny 
Lind street between Penny and Ninth streets. Rev. A. W. 
Johnston was installed pastor in 1887, and served until the follow- 
ing 3'ear, when he was succeeded b}' Rev. C. F. Blonquist, who 
served until October, 1893. At the present time the congrega- 
tion has no regular pastor. The membership numbers one 
hundred and ten, and the Sunday school has one hundred 
scholars. The church property is worth about six thousand dollars. 



86 History of McKeesport. 

The Swedish Baptist Church is located on Jenny Lind street 
near Whigham street. 

The Swedish Methodist Churcli holds its services at the corner 
of Locust and Fourteenth streets. 

The United Brethren occup\' the small frame church on Tin 
Plate hill. Membearship small. 

The First Christian Church was organized in icSyS. with four- 
teen members. Its church edifice was erected on the corner of 
Jenny Lind and Penn}' streets, in 1882, being dedicated on 
December 3rd, of that \ear. Rev. Geo. P. Slade was the first 
pastor and was followed by Revs. E. W. Gordon. T. C. Jackson, 
J. Cooper, W. H. Applegate and the present pastor. Rev. H. 
W. Talmadge. The membership numbers three hundred and 
fifteen persons and the Sunda}' school, which was organized in 
1880, has one hundred and forty scholars. 

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church was established in 1846, 
and erected its first buikling on the corner of Market street and 
Seventh avenue, the corner stone being laid in 1847, by Bishop 
O'Connor. The priests in charge up to August 7th, 1856, were 
as follows: Fathers Schock, Newman, Tschanhens, Muller and 
Salas. Father N. Haeress then had charge until Jul}' ist, 1862, 
and he died Julv i8th, following. Father James Caneder served 
until August 25th, 1862; Father Peter Schoeller to Januar}- i6th, 
1863; Father Anton Rusch to March 27th, 1864; Father J. P. 
Schmidt to September 27th, 1868; Father D. A. Bush to March 
13th, i86g and F"ather James Nolan from Ma}' ist, 1870, until 
the present day. The original church edifice became totally 
inadequate years ago, and in 1873 the corner stone of the present 
church building was laid. The building was completed in 1875 
and cost seventy thousand dollars, beside which a parsonage was 
built costing seven thousand dollars. Adjoining the church is a 
large convent; and adjoining it, a very large parochial school 
building. 



McKeesport's Churches. 87 

St. Mar3''s Roman Catholic Church was organized in the fall 
of 1886, b\ authorit}" of Bishop Phelan. A lot was purchased on 
Olive street for three thousand, six hundred dollars and the 
corner stone of the church building was laid on August 7th, 1887. 
The first pastor of the congregation was Father M. Holtopple 
who was succeeded by Father T. J. Kaib, who celebrated the first 
mass in the new building on April 15th, 1888. The church was 
formally dedicated, April 2gtb, 1888, and at that time the congre- 
gation numbered one hundred and seventy-five families. They 
bought the propert}' adjoining the church between that time and 
i88g. On March 3rd, i8gi, Father Kaib died, and was succeeded 
by Father Boell. That }ear the congregation bought some 
more adjacent ground, the total of these additional purchases 
amounting to thirty-three thousand, eight himdred dollars. It is 
the intention to erect a much larger church on the new ground. 
i\t the present time three hundred and fift}' families belong to 
the congregation. 

The Austrian Hungarian Hebrew Gemulas Chesed was 
organized in October, 1886. The present membership is one 
hundred and twent} -nine. The synagogue is on the corner of 
Third and Market streets and is valued at fourteen thousand 
dollars. Services are held every second Sunda}'. Samuel 
Firestone is president of the organization. 





Shaw Building-, home of the Citizens' Nationrl Bank, (see pag-e 59). 



McKeesport's Secret Societies. 



(D 



KEESPORT has loiia; had a pencliant for secret societies. 
[ It was once said that the town contained more brass 
bands and secret societies than any other of its size in the 
countr}'. Be that as it may, it is true that many secret societies 
flourish here. 

The first organization we have any information about, was the 
Sons of Temperance, instituted in 1844 or 1845. The lodge met 
on the second floor of a liouse on Second street, owned by 
Andrew Soles. Hon. John F. Dravo was one of the charter 
members. After a successful existence of a number of years the 
charter was surrendered. 

Youghiogheny Lodge No. 364, I. O. O. F., was instituted, June 
8th, 1849. It first occupied a room in a frame building on 
Market street, where the South Side hotel now stands. Its 
present building was erected in 1853, which was the first public 
building erected in the town, apart from the churches. It con- 
tained a public hall where entertainments were held for many 
years. The membership is one hundred and sixtv-two. Gilbert 
Now is Noble Grand.' 

Blucher Lodge No. 506, I. O. O. F., was instituted on January 
26th, 1854, in the Odd Fellows' building. The present member- 
ship is one hundred and sixty, and Phillip Rusler is Noble 
Grand. 

Youghioghen}- Encampment, No. 147, I. O. O. F., was insti- 
tuted in Odd Fellows' hall in December, 1S66. The membership 
is fifty, and D. E. Collins is the C. P. 



go History of McKeesport. 



Zuriel Lodge, No. 3157, G. U. O., of Odd Fellows (colored) 
was instituted October 22nd, i88g, with Boston Laney, P. N. F. ; 
Samuel Spriggs, N. F. ; James D. Dickerson, N. G.; Wm. C. 
Walker, V. G. 

Tube City Lodge, No. 571, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 
14th, iSyo. The present membership is ninety. It meets in 
Boss' Hall, Fifth avenue. T. H. Demoss is Noble Grand. 

Alli(piippa Lodge, No. 375, Free and Accepted Masons, was 
instituted on November 22nd, 1866, with fifteen charter members. 
The first officers were E. A. Wood, W. M.; W. E. Harrison, 
S. W.; J. I^. Ta3ior, J. W. ; W. B. Jimker, treasurer and J. A. 
Mehaffe}-, secretar}-. The present membership is one hundred 
and fifty and the present officers are: Wni. Nagel, W. M. ; 
Harry Gibson, S. W. ; George Mars, Jr., J. W.: Isaac West, 
treasurer antl W. B. Clasper, secretar}-. 

Youghiogheny Lodge, No. 5S3, Free and Accepted Masons, 
was instituted on December 15th, i8go, with eleven charter 
members. The first officers were P. A. Shanor, W. M.; S. P. 
Waugaman, S. W. ; T. C. Jones, J. W.; J. D. Cowan, treasurer 
and W. S. Abbott, secretary'. At present the lodge has about 
sixty members. The present officers are: W. S. Abbott, W. M.; 
Ferd. Englert. S. W.; Orin A. Rodgers, J. W. ; Max Bachman, 
treasurer and F. J. Chester, secretary. 

McKeesport Conclave, No. 81, Improved order of Heptasophs, 
was instituted March 6th, 1884. with twenty-six charter mem- 
bers. The first officers were: Past Archon, J. F. Davitt; 
Archon, S. L. Goldman; Provost, A. J. Carver; Prelate, J. D. 
Evans; Inspector, Adolph Schmidt; Secretar}', E. B. Clark; 
Financier, N. H. Van Fossen; treasurer, E. C. Eaglen. Tlie 
present membership is five hundred and seventy-three and the 
present officers in the order named above are: Joseph A. 
Skelley, Louis Donaldson, D. George Beckett, John Small, 
James F. Kane, George H. Hofman and N. H. Van Fossen. 



Secret Societies. 91 



McKee Lodge, No. 43, A. O. U. W., was instituted January 24th, 
1873, with twent\'-five charter members. First officers were J. F. 
Davitt, P. M. W., and George Lawton, M. W. Present mem- 
bership, eighty. Present officers are: C. H. Hitzrot, P. M. W. ; 
Henry Hartman M. W. and John M. Jeffers, financier. 

Welcome Stranger Lodge, No. 52, Sons of St. George, was 
instituted Marcli 13th, iSScSo. Tlie present membership is one 
hundred and tliirt\-two. George H. West is the presiding 
officer and E. W. Hobbs, secretary. 

The McKeesport Turn and Gesang Verein was instituted 
October 15th, 1880, with nineteen charter members. Present 
membersliip is two hundred and eight}-six. Officers are Carl 
Unglaub, president; George Speidler, financial secretary; Carl 
G. Hofman, treasurer; A. Doehla, instructor. 

U. S. Grant Council, No. 132, O. U. A. M., was instituted 
Januar\' 20th, i8gi, and has at present fort3'-three members. 
H. B. Pitzer is secretar}'. 

Fidelity Lodge, No. 1005, Knights of Honor, was instituted 
March 20th, 1878, and has at present seventy-nine members. 
Thomas WMiiflen is Cistator and Samuel McCleary', secretary'. 

Court Gustaf I, Wassa of Sweden, No. 6682, Ancient Order of 
Foresters, was instituted September i8th, 1880. The present 
membership is one hundred and thirt}'-five. The presiding 
officer is Gust. Tapgreen and S. Johnson is secretar\'. 

Court Equality Lodge, No. 6459, Ancient Order of Foresters, 
was instituted, Jul}- 30th, 1874, with Arthur Thompson presiding 
officer and George Taylor, secretary. The present officers are 
Harry Lill}' and Charles Parker. Membership one hundred and 
fifty-three. 

McKeesport Lodge, No. 130, B. P. O. E., was instituted on 
September 26th, i88g, with fifteen charter members. At present 
the membership numbers forty-four. George Brinker is exalted 
ruler and George J. F. Falkenstein, secretary. 



92 History of McKeesport. 



Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, Branch No. 26, was 
instituted on December 6th, 1883, with nineteen charter members. 
It has a present membership of ninet\-t\vo. Present officers are 
Rev. James Nolan, spiritual advisor: chancellor, J. T. McClos- 
ke\-; president, Neil McGettigan; recording secretary, Thomas 
J. FuUard. 

Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, Branch No. 57, was 
organized with twenty-six charter members, on March ist, i88g. 
The membership numbers forty and the present officers are 
Jacob Altme3er, president; Peter Koch, secretar}'. 

Division No. 16, Ancient Order of Plibernians, Board of 
America, was organized in May, 1872. The division has at 
present ninet\'-tvvo members, with the following officers: M. J. 
Mahonex', president; Thomas Cooke, vice president; Michael 
Beane, recording secretary and \\'m. Sullivan, treasurer. 

McKeesport Lodge, No. 149, I. O. S. B., was instituted on June 
igth, 1892. Present membership is sixt3'-seven. S. J. Blattner 
is president and Samuel Reiter, secretar\'. 

The Hebrew Political Club was organized on December 12th, 
1893, and it has one hundred and twelve members. Joseph 
Roth is president; Samuel Reiter, secretary. 

The Svea Beneficial Society, of McKeesport, was organized in 
1888 by Rev. C. A. Blomgren, Oscar E. Lindbom and Henry 
Nystrohm under the name of the Swedish Lutheran Beneficiary 
Association, but it was changed to its present name on April 19th, 
1890, and was incorporated in October of the same 3'ear with 
Henry Nystrohm, president and J. E. Westerland, secretar3\ 
The membership numbers over two hundred. Present officers 
are Luther Friberg, president; Charles Swensen, secretar}-. 

Col. Samuel W. Black Post, No. 59, Department of Pennsyl- 
vania, Grand Arm\' of the Republic, was organized on July 3rd, 
1877, with thirty members. The Post now has a roll of ninet)-- 
three members. Henr}- Stewart is quartermaster. 



Secret Societies. 



93 



In addition to tlie above named societies and organizations 
there are others from whom no returns were received, viz: 
Sovereigns of Industr}'; McKeesport, Tube City and Versailles 
Councils, Jr. O. U. A. M.; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Lieder- 
kranz: North Star Lodge, K. of P.; Order of the Golden Chain; 
Patriotic Order Sons of America; Rising Sun Conclave, No. 121, 
I. O. H.; Royal Arcanum; Sr. O. U. A. M., West End and 
McClelland councils; St. Mary's First Hungarian Beneficial 
Society; Titus Lodge, K. of P.; Union Veteran's Union, Ord 
Command; Union Veteran's Union, Logan Command, and others. 




M' 

^^^m^. 



, ■ -<ji - . '.\i-^ / 



Lm ' iil 

. iiij^jipf^ iil! £gi>iiiiir 




s ^ 






Y. M. (J. A. Building-. Erected, loU-l. 



Young Men's Christian Association. 



HE Young Men's Christian Association was organized, Julv 
1 6th, 1888, and was incorporated June gth, i8go. It 
occupied rented quarters at No. 513 Wahiut street and was 
retarded much by want of space and proper faciHties for its 
work. Nevertheless it grew and prospered and a fine home of 
its own became a necessit\'. Accordingly a site was purchased 
on the corner of Locust street and Shaw avenue and on Ma}^ 
loth, 1894, a new and handsome building was dedicated, which 
cost, completed, about forty-five thousand dollars, contributed b}^ 
the public. Its present membership is three hundred and 
thirt3'-six, and its prospects are bright. The officers are: 
President, James Evans; first vice president, James S. Kuhn; 
second vice president, John T. Woods; recording secretary, 
Charles A. Tawney; treasurer. E. H. Leizure; general secretary, 
W. T. Forrester. The receipts of the treasurer of the associa- 
tion last year were three thousand, four hundred and thirty-eight 
dollars, and the receipts of the treasurer of the Board of Trustees 
were eleven thousand, and three dollars. 



McKecsport Library Association. 



HE McKeesport Library Association was organized on 
February 17th, 1875, and was chartered in the following 
April. The first officers were Jesse Sill, president; T. R. 
\'ankirk, vice president; John F. Davitt, treasurer and H. R. 
Tassey, secretary. The Library was not as successful as its 
projectors had hoped it would be, and after continuing until 1881, 
its finances became so low that a committee was appoined to sell 
the books and furniture. A constable afterward levied upon the 
effects, when W. D. Wood & Co. came to the rescue, purchased 
the library entire, paid off its debts and put it into good con- 
dition. In June, 1883, at the suggestion of R. G. Wood, a pub- 
lic meeting w-as called and a proposition was made to turn it over 
to a new organization as a gift to the people. An organization 
was formed, on June 26th, and elected the following officers: 
R. G. Wood, president; J. R. Gemmill, vice president; W. A. lies, 
treasurer and M. F. Ryan, secretary. 

The library has been open continually since that time and it is 
visited daily by many people. Its rooms are in the the National 
lUmk of McKeesport building. Upwards of two thousand vol- 
are on the shelves. Of late years the library has been sustained 
largely through the liberality of Richard G. Wood and James 
Evans, they taking much interest in its general welfare and being 
desirous of perpetuating the institution. The present president 
is Theodore Tonneld, who is also mucli interested in the work. 
The rooms are open daily. 



The Board of Trade. 



'HE McKeesport Board of Trade was formed in November) 
1 8S7. for the purpose of fostering the commercial interests of 
the cit)-, and assisting, by concerted action, the building up of the 
city. Its first president was J. W. Bailie and its first secretary 
was A. B. Campbell. At the present time the board consists of 
sixty-four active members, business men engaged in various lines 
of trade. The president is W. P. Wampler and the secretary is 
E. W. Pitts. The idea of taking up the city hospital project 
and putting it upon a substantial basis originated with the Board 
of Trade, and the scheme was successfully carried out. The 
Board has also been active in securing a proper recognition of 
the cit\' by the various railways. It has kept a watchful eye on 
local legislation and the force of the organization is felt in the 
business life of the city. A regular meeting place is established 
in Masonic hall building. 

The idea of celebrating the Centennial of McKeesport orig- 
inated with the Board, in the winter of 1893, by the introduction, 
by W. E. Harrison, of a resolution appointing a committee of 
five members to suggest a plan to properly carry out a formal 
celebration. This committee reported a resolution, naming W. 
E. Harrison, John W. Stewart, Robert Ta\lor, W. J. Sharpies, 
John K. Skelley, James L. Devenney, J. D. O'Neil, W. P. 
Wampler and A. B. Campbell, as a committee representing 
the Board, and to take entire charge of arranging the details 
of a proper public celebration, reporting to the Board at its 
stated meetings. The resolution was adopted, the committee 



98 



The Board of Trade. 



formed, and it organized by electing W. E. Harrison, chairman; 
Jolin W. Stewart, secretary; W. P. Wampler, treasurer. Its 
labors resulted in the formation and the superintendence of the 
proper carrying out of all the details of the celebration, of which 
this history forms such an interesting part. 

Following is a full list of the members of the Board of Trade: 
A. B. Campbell, James L. Devenney, J. W. Bailie, W. P. 
Wampler, W. G. Gleason, Joseph A. Skelle}% R. L. Riggs, S. 
O. Lowr}', John W. Stewart, W. J. Sharpies, Donald Chisholm, 
Jacob B. Shale, A. W. Smith, M. F. Ryan, F. H. Coursin, J. B. 
Arnold, S. F. Finley, W. E. Harrison, Robert Ta\ior, Joseph 
Linger, W. C. Cronemeyer, for United States Iron and Tin 
Plate company; R. E. Stone, J. N. Hartman, Max Bachman, 

D. B. Brown, W. N. Bobbins. J. J. McGirr, J. D. O'Neil, T. L. 
White, L. C. Haler, J. F. Davitt. J. K. Skelley. H. W. Hitzrot, 

E. C. Converse, J. H. Pierce, J. D. Evans, T. F. Newlin, J. W. 
Downer, W. D. W^ood Co., H. McKay. W. J. Miller, R. W. Gor- 
don, W. J. Kirk, R. B. Beane, Oscar E. Krueger, J. R. Wylie, 
P. A. Shanor, E. W. Pitts, George J. F. Falkenstein, E. C. Kear- 
ney, Jacob Bestwick, E. H. Leizure, James Evans, G. F. Myer, 
E. P. Douglass, Adolph Schmidt, Francis Gannon, George H. 
Lysle, T. C. Jones, R. C. Rankin, O. E. Lindbom, Vine. Wnss. 

[Further details of the celebration will be found in the appen- 
dixj. 




McKeesport's "Silent Cities." 



'HE first burial ground, graveyard or cemetery established 
here was on a high mound of sand}- soil, about one acre in 
extent, situateti between Ninth street and School alle}', just East 
of Walnut street. The ground was set apart for burial purposes 
by David McKee, father of John McKee, back in the last cen- 
tury, and it was used for that purpose until it became entirely 
filled with the remains of former residents of the town and 
neighborhood. In 1874 the authorities deemed it essential to 
remove the old landmark. The bodies were carefully removed 
to other cemeteries which had already been established and 
the borough authorities leveled the sand bank, laid the land out 
in lots and sold it. McKeesport's first cit}' of the dead is now 
completel}' obliterated, the site being covered by dwellings, a 
church, a livers' stable, etc., and what was once a quiet, country 
graveyard, sheltered by forest trees and dotted with grassy 
mounds above the remains of people once the pride of the town, 
has been transformed for other uses, made necessary by the 
march of progress. 

The McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery Company was char- 
tered at the June term of Court in 1856. It purchased twenty- 
six acres of land from the Huey heirs on June 30th, 1856, and 
the cemetery was formally dedicated on November 6th, 1856. 
On that day forty-five lots were sold for two thousand, four hun- 
dred dollars. The first election for a board of directors was held 
on August 5th, 1856, resulting as follows: James R. Hendrick- 
son, John A. Miller, Hamilton Stewart, Andrew Christy, John 




H 



O 



o 
a 

m 



McKeesport's "Silent Cities." loi 

Penney, George M. Boughman, Hugh Rowland and Samuel 
Foster. James R. Hendrickson was elected president; Alex. 
Miller, secretar}- and James B. Mitchell, treasurer. On Decem- 
ber and Robert Da}- was elected superintendent. On November 
ist, 1^57, the company transferred to the German Lutheran 
church one-half an acre of ground for one hundred dollars, and 
six dollars annual ground rent. At the present time the company 
owns about sixty-five acres of land, having purchased twenty-six 
acres from the Huey estate on June 30th, 1856, for two thousand, 
six hundred dollars; two acres from N. H. Clark, November ist, 
1858, for one hundred and eighteen dollars; twelve acres from 
Wm. George for three thousand dollars; twelve acres from R. L. 
Riggs and Mrs. M. Whigham, August ist, 1882, for twelve thou- 
sand, five hvmdred dollars; six acres from John W. Stewart, 
October 12th, 1886, for six thousand, two hundred and thirty- 
four dollars; lot from James Evans, for three thousand dollars 
and two lots from A. E. Hall, September loth, i8go, for four 
thousand, seven hundred dollars. The total cost of the land was 
thirt}'-two thousand, one hundred fift\-two dollars, but it is 
worth a great deal more to-da}'. 

In 1892 the compan}' erected a commodious residence for the 
superintendent, together with business offices and an entrance to 
the grounds, at a cost of about ten thousand dollars. The prices 
of lots vary from fifty cents to one dollar per square foot. The 
first interment was the remains of Jordon, son of Samuel and 
Eliza Blair, on November 15th, 1856. Up to the 26th day 
of June, 1894, the interments numbered five thousand, eight 
hundred and fifty-seven. 

The present officers are S. O. Lowry, president; S. E. 
Carothers, secretary; J. B. Shale, treasurer. Oliver Black is 
superintendent. The cemetery is finely improved and it is one 
of the points of interest about the city. 

Fairview Cemetery, on Versailles avenue, east of Huey street. 



I02 



History of McKeesport. 



containing six acres of land, was laid out by Samuel Clark and 
Wm. McMasters in the year 1858. The ground cost six hun- 
dred dollars. It was opened in the spring of 1861. After 
selling enough lots to refund the purchase price, the cemetery 
was transferred to a chartered company, which still controls it. 
The officers are James Biddle, president; George L. Brisbin, 
secretar}'; Ruel Smith, sexton. 

The Catholics, in 1849, purchased one acre of land from Oliver 
Evans, at the head of Huey street, which was consecrated as a 
burial place for the people of that faith, and was used until it 
was filled. A larger tract, containing about six acres, was 
secured on Versailles avenue in 1872. and St. Joseph's Cemetery 
was established. It is still in use and contains some fine monu- 
ments. 

St. Mary's Cemetery is east of Cherry Lane in Versailles 
township. The ground was purchased in 1888, the six and 
three-fourths acres costing four thousand, five hundred dollars. 
It was formally dedicated on October 14th, i88g, and on that day 
the remains of Father D. N. Harris, the first German Catholic 
priest in McKeesport, were removed from the old grave}ard on 
Hue}' street to St. Mary's. Father Harris' remains were first 
interred in July, 1862. 




>p v; ' 




THE McKEE MONUMENT. 
McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery, (see page 16) 



McKeesport's Military Record. 



IN early years the state law required all able-bodied men 
between the ages of twenty-one and forty-five years, to 
assemble once a year for military parade, inspection and instruc- 
tion; and this law continued in force until about the year 1845. 
An event of no little importance each spring was the '-Militia 
muster" and the populace generally turned out to witness the 
awkward evolutions of the citizen soldiery. All that portion of 
old McKeesport, above Fifth street, was an open common and it 
afforded a splendid field for these annual drills and inspections, 
the date of which was always looked upon as a general holiday 
for the people. Everybody turned out to see or to take part in 
the "round up," which was always followed by a series of amuse- 
ments, joined in by 30ung and old, and where the soldier boy 
played havoc with the heart of the simple maiden. 

McKeesport and the township of Versailles furnished a show- 
ing for the war of 181 2. Among those taking part in the conflict 
were Col. Wm. Longhead, Fauntley Muse, Maj. Wm. Caven 
and Jesse Sill. 

At the present time there are two veterans of the Mexican war 
residing in the city, viz: Major John W. McCully and Wm. 
Sharp. 

In the war of the Rebellion the call of Abraham Lincoln for 
three months men was the signal for the formation of a company 
of seventy-eight men, who left town under command of the 
following officers: Christopher Sn3'der, Captain; Fred Schaum, 
First Lieutenant: Geiorge Hart, Second Lieutenant. Among the 



I04 His'iORv OK McKeesport. 

members of that company yet livinsj; here are Wm. Carr, James 
Gilchrist, Henry Hensel, George F. Lndwick, W. C. Means, 
Wm. Sloan, F. J. Tish and M. Ullmer. 

Later in the Rebellion Co. I, Pennsylvania Reserves, and Co. 
I, Sixtv-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, were recruited here. Tbe 
first named company was commanded by Capt. W. Lynch, First 
Lieutenant. J. C. Walkinshaw and Second Lieutenant. Gus. A. 
Wenke. It consisted of one hundred and three members, who 
served with much credit, and the company was mustered out of 
service at Pittsburgh on May 13th, 1S64. The second company 
named consisted of one hundred and thirty-one men, commanded 
by Capt. James F. Ryan; First Lieutenant George W. Gray 
and Second Lieutenant James F. McMullen. Capt. R)an was 
promoted to Major on December 19th, 1863. Lieut. Gra}' was 
promoted to Captain of Co. C on July 26th. 1862. Lieut. 
McMullen was discharged July 24th, 1862. The company was 
mustered out on September gth, 1864. 

Many other citizens of McKeesport fought for the Union in 
companies and regiments from other localities, the details of 
which are not obtainable. Altogether it is estimated that 
McKeesport furnished Uncle Sam over five hundred good, true 
soldiers, who did their full share of the fighting to hold these 
United States together. 

The old soldiers at present residing here, who served in the 
companies recruited here are, in part, as follows: In Co. I, Ninth 
Regiment, W. H. H. Lynch, Andrew Robinson, Robert Robinson, 
W. F. Young, John Tawney, Joseph Dougherty, Henry Stewart, 
Oliver Mains, Jacob Campbell, John Hurrell, Fred Schoeller 
and George Soles. In Co. I, Sixty-third Regiment, Thomas 
Hunter, Jacob Mains, Joel T. Painter, Alex D. Foster, Thaddeus 
Clymer, W. P. Wampler, Samuel Fields, W. P. Gilbert, Daniel 
P. Mclntyre, Wm. Packer, S. G. Penney, Randolph Reynolds, 
F. M. Taylor and Archie Watson. The town furnished two field 



McKeesport's Military Record. 



105 



officers in Major J. McK. Snodgrass and Major James F. R5'an. 

A complete history of the part McKeesport took in help- 
ing to put down the Rebellion would of itself form material for a 
large book. For the small town it was at the breaking out of 
the war, it sent to the front its full share of true men, who risked 
their all to save the Union. 

Since the war there flourished for a time two companies of the 
State National Guard. Co. I. of the Eighteen Regiment was mus- 
tered in on March 15th, 1884, with John E. Speer, Captain; O. 
C. Coon, First Lieutenant and Thos. F. Wylie, Second Lieuten- 
ant. Co. K, of the same regiment, was mustered in on March 
18th, 1884. Win. Adams, Captain; John M. Jaycox, First Lieu- 
tenant, and Edward Runk, Second Lieutenant. These companies 
remained intact for several years but were finally disbanded. 

The Grand Army of the Republic is represented here by Col. 
Samuel W. Black Post, No. 59, which is mentioned elsewhere 
amoner secret societies. 





Soldiers' Monument. 



The Soldiers' Monument. 



fflcKEESPORT always had a warm love for the Union 
soldier. It jiarticularh' reveres the memory of those 
who gave up their dearest possession, life, as a sacrifice upon the 
altar of their country. Man}- grass}' mounds in the cemeteries 
of the city are surmounted I:)}- shafts of simple marble, whereon 
is inscribed a hint, or a suggestion, of how much they loved their 
country; and the quietude of their present resting places beneath 
the sod, are in violent contrast to the battlefield where the shot 
and shell carried death to so many of the brave. In their last, 
long sleep these soldiers are not forgotten. Their graves are 
watched over by loved ones and many a tear drops silently upon 
the mounds above them, as those who are left behind pause in 
kindh' remembrance of the time when the now dead were liv- 
ing. Each Memorial Day a tiny flag — that emblem around 
which "the boys" always rallied, and which cheered them on the 
march and in the battle, — waves above these graves in the soft, 
summer breeze; and with muftfed drums, as if not to disturb the 
slumber of the soldier, old comrades gather and scatter sweet 
flowers above the dust of those who have answered the bugle-call 
for- the last time, but who await the trump of Gabriel to summon 
all mankind for a last inspection and for a final distribution of the 
medals of award to all who have done their dut}' in this life. 

Deeming it proper to erect a monument to the memory of the 
soldiers and sailors whose lives were sacrificed by the necessities 
of grim war, the soldier organizations and the citizens contribu- 
ted to a fund for the purpose, and to-da}' there stands in a com- 



io8 



History of McKeesport. 



manding position in Versailles Cemetery, a handsome shaft, of 
of graceful proportions, an everlasting memorial to patriotism 
and heroism. 

In i88g, the Cemetery Compan}- donated the ground necessar}' 
for the site; and on Jul\- 4th, 1892, the monument was unveiled. 
It was erected at a cost of three thousand, three hundred and 
fortN-three dollars. The ground around the monument is 
reserved for soldiers' graves. 




Public Offices and Officers. 



OUR records of municipal affairs date back to the time when 
McKeesport was a part of \'ersailles township. The 
government was crude in many respects, but it fitted the require- 
ments of the times. Old McKeesporters figured quite prominently 
in politics. Indeed, John McKee is believed to have been quite 
a shrewd politician. He was a smart man, and smart men in 
those days usually had something to say in politics. 

In 1828, Maj. William Caven was elected sheriff of Allegheny 
county, and in the absence of any scandal being handed down he 
must have been a good officer. 

In 1840, Fauntley Muse was elected a member of the state 
legislature. 

John Caven, son of Maj. William Caven, struck out for the 
W^est, and he became mayor of Indianapolis, Indiana, serving 
several terms, and was afterward made a state senator. 

John P. Penney, a McKeesport boy, was elected to the 
Pennsylvania state senate, serving several terms and was speaker 
of the House for one term. He was a strong competitor of 
Andrew G. Curtin, for the nomination for governor of Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1863. 

McKeesport has sent four of its citizens to the state legislature, 
viz: Thomas Penney and Alex. Millar, deceased, A. B. Camp- 
bell and Joseph A. Stone. John F. Dravo, a former McKees- 
porter, has served in the same body and has been collector of 
customs and has held other high political positions. 



no 



History of McKeesport, 



Perry Baker, a McKeesporter, was appointed by the governor, 
about 1H54, as collector on the Pennsylvania canal, when it was 
a great highway of commerce. 

Isaac N. Coursin was the first assistant assessor appointed 
under the internal revenue laws, and W. E. Harrison was the first 
deputy collector of the Twenty-second district. He was appointed 
under Lincoln's administration and he held commission under 
nine different presidents. 

Gen. John A. Wiley, of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, 
one of the most noted of Pennsylvania's military men, spent a 
portion of his boyhood da}'s in McKeesport. 

Samuel E. Penney was appointed second lieutenant in the reg- 
ular army, in the year 1862. 

Coming down to later days, many McKeesporters have taken a 
greater or less interest in the political movements of the nation 
state, county and cit\', and among them are some men of note. 




McKeesport Professional Men. 



/|\cKEESPORT has furnished, from among its own boys, a 
]n1^, fair share of professional men. As tlie clerg\men prob- 
abl\' stand first in the requirements of mankind, the\' will be 
mentioned first. McKeesport boys who became ministers of 
the Gospel are Revs. John M. Smith, John F. Dravo, William 
Penney, John Phniimer, William Collier, Thomas J. Collier, 
Henry Heckman, Alex. Millar and Charles Millar — a total of nine. 
The total number of resident ministers in the cit\ is twenty-seven. 
In addition to these protestant clergymen, Fathers Wertenbach, 
Romelfanger, Beane and others, of the catholic faith, lived their 
boyhood days in McKeesport. 

Physicians: Drs. James E. Huey, William Penne\-, Jesse 
Penney, David Penney, James L. Penney, James W. Ta\'lor, 
Hugh Brady, John R. Moore, Cadwallader Evans, T. L. W^hite, 
H. W. Hitzrot, C. H. Hitzrot and others. The city now sup- 
ports thirty-nine physicians. 

Attorne3's-at-law: Messrs. James Evans, W. A. Dunshee, 
T. F. Newlin, W^ E. Newlin, T. C. Jones, Lincoln Jones, John 
P. Penney, John Caven, J. W. Bailie, John Edmundson, J. 
Douthett Gamble and J. D. Douglass. The total number of 
resident attorneys, is eighteen. 

Editors: W^illiam King, a cousin of James Evans, was editor 
of the Neiv Orleans Times during the rebellion. David G. 
Fickes edited the McKeesport Standard. John W' . Pritchard, the 
Paragon; B. B. Coursin, J. V. Carothers and W. S. Abbott, The 



112 



History of McKeesport. 



Times; James L. Devenney and J. B. Shale, the Neivs; W. H. 
and E. E. Hamilton, the Sim: John B. Scott, the Record, etc. 

Bankers: James S. Kuhn. president of the First National 
Bank; James Evans, president of the National Bank of McKees- 
port: Samuel W. Shaw, president of the Citizens' National Bank, 
and others. 

The above were all boys raised in McKeesport. There are 
others represented in different professions, but a complete list of 
the names is not obtainable. 







v^ 




m 



fo 



a 
O 



McKeesport's Notable Public Buildings. 



HE first public building erected in McKeesport. other than 
places of worship, was Odd Fellows' Hall, on Market 
street, erected in 1853. b}' a chartered company. It was regarded 
as a mammoth structure when built, antl for a long time it was 
the only place in town available for entertainments. Now it is 
used for Lodge purposes onh'. W. E. Harrison is president and 
James L. DeLong is secretary of the compan}'. 

Masonic Hall building once contained an amusement hall but 
it is now devoted to Lodge purposes, Board of Trade rooms, etc. 
The building is quite imposing and is worth probabl}' one hun- 
dred thousand dollars. 

Franklin Hall building formerly stood at the corner of Fifth 
and Walnut streets, but it burned down several 3'ears ago and no 
public hall succeeded it. 

White's Opera House was erected by the late James P. White. 
It is now the property of his son T. L. White. The building 
cost, originally, sixty-five thousand dollars, but recent expensive 
additions have increased its value to one hundred and twent}'- 
five thousand dollars. The auditorium seats tweLve hundred 
people and it ranks as one of the cosiest theaters on an)' of the 
circuits in the country. The theater was opened to the public, 
June 4th, 1883. 

Altmeyer's Theater was erected in 1892, b}- George Altme\er, 
but in 1893, he sold it to the Altme3'er Theater Co. It is a hand- 
some structure and the only "ground floor" theater in the city. 
Its seating capacity is eighteen hundred, its cost was one huri' 




•d 



McKeesport's Notable Public Buildings. 115 

dred and fifty thousand dollars and it is claimed to be one of the 
handsomest theaters in the country. 

The Oppenheimer block, at Fifth avenue and Market street, is 
the largest business block in the city, It was erected in 1892, 
and represents an expenditure of over one hundred thousand 
dollars. 

The National Bank of McKeesport building is a fine structure, 
equipped with every modern convenience. The cit\' offices 
occupy several of the floors. The building cost about one hun- 
dred thousand dollars. 

The City Hospital was built in 1893, and was dedicated to 
public use, April loth. 1894. It was undertaken through a 
resolution introduced to the Board of Trade, by Magnr.s Pflaum. 
It is a splendid building, pronounced to be one of the best in the 
state, for the purpose, and when finally completed will represent 
a value of upwards of one hundred thousand dollars. 

Three fine new fire stations were completed bv the city this 
year, all of which are modern in ever}' respect. The central 
station includes the central police station. 

The Young Men's Christian Association building is a note- 
worthy structure, and it is a fine expression of the liberalit\' of 
the citizens who have the welfare of the young men at heart. 
It was dedicated on Ma}' loth, 1894. The building and site are 
worth, at least, fifty thousand tloUars. 

The Shaw building is a fine office block, corner of Fifth avenue 
and Coursin street. It is the home of the Citizens' National 
bank. The structure cost about seventy-five thousand dollars. 

The Normandie block, owned by the White estate, is a fine 
structure which cost about eighty thousand dollars. 

Among the notable church edifices are the First M. E., 
St. Peter's, St. Stephen's, Central Presb} terian, etc. All the 
city churches are of modern architecture and are up to the times 
in their general equipment. 



ii6 



History of McKeesport. 



Besides the buildings mentioned above, man}' others of a good 
character and of costl\- construction, grace the different tliorough- 
fares, the whole forming a galaxy of modern architecture pleasing 
to the e^-e, indicative of enterprise, wealth and prosperity. 




> ^^^^5^^^ 




Altmeyer's Theater, Fifth Avenue. 



Notable Fires. 



'HE first fire in McKeesport to destro}' a building of any 
kind, was the burning of a cabinet sliop, which stood on 
the present site of the McKeesport Light Compan3''s power 
house. The exact year is not known. Several other small fires 
occurred at intervals, but the town sustained no serious loss 
until the rope walk, on Walnut street, burned on October 21st, 
1868. 

Thomas H. Patton's general store, corner Second and Market 
streets, was burned out about 1854, and this is believed to have 
been the first store fire to occur in the town. Strange as it may 
seem every building erected on that site since, has burned down. 

In the spring of i86g a fire swept the South side of Fifth 
street from Blackberry alley to Walnut street. 

A large portion of the National Tube works was consumed by 
fire on April gth, 1873. 

The largest and most disastrous fire the town ever had, was on 
October 3rd, 1877, when the Enterprise Foundr}" & Car shops 
on the corner of Fifth and Walnut streets, were consumed. The 
fire spread and burned its way along the South side of Fifth 
street to the Baltimore & Ohio R. R., and crossing the street, 
burned off the buildings along the opposite side, from Walnut 
street to Isaac West's store; thirty-two buildings in all being 
destroyed. 

In November, 1886, an extensive fire burned out the Axle 
department of the National Tube works. 

The Patterson block, opposite the Baltimore & Ohio depot 
burned on December 31st, 1880. 



ii8 History of McKeesport. 

On Marcli loth, 1886, Tlic Times printing plant, tlien on Fifth 
street, opposite the Bahimore & Ohio R. R., was totahy con- 
sumed by fire. 

Since that date the fires have been of a rather small character, 
except that which burned up the Cit}- iNIills on Jerome street 
and the destruction of Neel & Wampler's planing mills. The 
cit}' is regarded as remarkably fortunate in escaping serious fires. 
In former }ears a citizens' bucket brigade was the onl}' pro- 
tection; later a volunteer fire department served the public; but 
now quite a metropolitan paid department guards the property 
of the people. Its record in conquering the fire demon is one to 
be proud of. 




Roads and Boardtoalks. 



SRIOR to 1842, McKeesport, as is known, formed a part of 
\'ersailles township, and the streets of the town in those 
days were called roads. The}' were of the primitive character 
usnally found in countr}' districts, often filled with ruts and 
chuck holes, muddy in winter and dust}- in summer. The town 
was subject to the laws governing the township. Tax pa3ers 
were assessed a road tax, which they paid or "worked out" on 
the roads. 

The first street, or road work, performed in McKeesport was 
b\' John Gregg, supervisor of the township, who, in 1835, plowed 
a furrow up each side of Market street to drain off the surface 
water. 

The first street improvement made, before anybod}' thought of 
pavements, was a board sidewalk laid on Market street from the 
river to Sixth street, about the year 1848. Short!} afterward it 
was extended to Ninth street, crossing a ravine near Eighth 
street on a trestle-work twenty feet high. This innovation was 
considered a great stride and it spurred the citizens to further 
efforts in the same line. Soon thereafter boardwalks were 
extended along Fifth and other streets, until the townspeople 
could get around in bad weather without much discomfort. 

When the town became larger and began to take on city airs, 
brick and stone were used to improve the streets, as well as the 
sidewalks; and boardwalks then became unlawful. 




James R. Hendrickson, first burgess of McKeesport. 



Our Municipal Life. 



m; 



HEN John McKee laid out tlie town, in 1795, he, no doubt' 
thought that some dav it might become incorporated, 
but wliether he had an)^ anticipation, or ev'en dreamed of the 
possibihties of his act after one hundred years had been unwound 
from tlie reel of the '-Thread of Time," the past does not disclose. 

Forty-seven years after the town was laid out, on September 
3rd, 1842, McKeesport was formally chartered as a borough and 
on the 6th day of that month the first municipal election was 
held. As may be imagined that election was regarded as a 
most important event, for then was chosen the first rulers of the 
municipality. It is not recorded whether any political "bosses" 
lived here in those days of simplicity, but it is fair to presume that 
they were a later acquisition. The choice of the electors for the 
office of burgess was Capt. James R. Hendrickson, whose portrait 
appears on opposite page. The councilmen chosen were James 
W. Edgar, H. B. Sinclair, Hugh Rowland, Samuel C. Huey and 
Charles Fausold. (Of these councilmen but one is living, viz: 
Charles Fausold. who came here in 1836; and is still hale and 
heart}', at the age of eighty-three years). John Long was elected 
constable. Council was organized and elected Perry Baker, 
clerk, and James Penne}-, treasurer. These men shaped the 
course of the municipal bark which started out in life with 
considerable caution and for a time cruised ver}' close to shore, 
hesitating to risk the deeper waters through which it so majesti- 
cally sailed in later years. 

The elections were held in the school house on the Diamond 
(see page 2oj until it was moved to the rear of the lot adjoin- 



122 History of McKeesport. 



ing the Presb3terian parsonage, where the}' continued until 1849. 
The poll was changed in 1850 to the new school house, corner 
of Sixth and Market streets, and remained there until the 
borough was divided into three wards, when each ward was 
provided witli a separate poll. 

The boundaries of the borough at the date of its charter were 
as follows: From the foot of Second street up the Youghio- 
ghen}' river to Ninth street: thence to Walnut street, thence to 
the Monongahela river and thence to place of beginning. The 
limits were extended February 13th, 1847, to Eleventh street on 
the Youghiogheu}' river, to Hue\' street and to the Monongahela 
river. In 1873 the lines were again extended to include the 
present city lines, viz: From the foot of Second street along 
the Youghiogheny river to a point above the waterworks; thence 
East to Cherry Lane; thence North through the Fawcett farm 
to the State road; thence b}' said road to Fifth street; thence to 
the Monongahela river below the Demmler mills; thence along 
the Monongahela river to the place of beginning. This territor}' 
was divided into three wards. It now consists of eight wards. 

The growth of the town has been steady ever since its incor- 
poration and in later years has been very rapid. In 1842, the 
inhabitants numbered about five hundred, which increased slowly 
until 1870, when the government census reported it to be two 
thousand, five hundred and twent)-three. In 1880, the same 
authority gave it eight thousand, two hundred and twelve and in 
i8go the government found twent\- thousand, seven hundred and 
eleven people within its borders. To-day the population is 
estimated as being close to thirty thousand, and the tributar}' pop- 
ulation is fifteen thousand more, making McKeesport substantially 
represent a population of about forty-five thousand persons. 

Prior to the year 1871, members of council were chosen annu- 
ally, but during that year the law was changed, which increased 
the membership to six, and required two members to be elected 



Our Municipal Life. 123 

annuall}' for a term of three years each. In May, 1873, anotlier 
change was made in the law, authorizing the election of three 
members each by the three wards, and this law held good as long 
as the town remained a borough. 

In 1 87 1, the entire police force consisted of one man. in the 
person of George Smith, and right well did he perform his duties. 

Permanent street paving was introduced in 1867, b\' the letting 
of a contract on the i8th da}' of Jul\-, for the macadamizing of 
Fifth street from Market street to the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. 
The work was completed in that 3ear. On October i8th, 1867, 
the contract was let for the macadamizing of Market street 
from the river to Sixth street, which was completed the following 
year, and about two 3'ears afterward the improvement was 
extended to Ninth street. In 1877, the Fifth street improvement 
was extended to Center street. 

The first block-stone street paving was done on Fourth street, 
in 1883, by the Pittsburgh, McKeesport & Youghiogheny R. R. 
in exchange for the right-of-way along the street for its tracks. 
Walnut street followed with block-stone. The ordinance author- 
izing the paving to Eleventh street passed Council, July 2nd, 1883. 
Other street improvements followed in the order named: Shaw 
avenue, August 9th, 1884; Walnut street to Power's line, July 
15th, 1884; Huey street, August 3rd, 1886; Jenny Find street 
from Shaw avenue to Spring alle}', July nth, 1887, and con- 
tinued to Fourteenth street June 13th, 1888; Fifth street, from 
Center street to the Iron bridge, May 7th, 1888. etc., etc. Huey 
street was the first to adopt fire brick for paving. Now 
it is used on nearly all side streets, Belgian block being pre- 
ferred on the main thoroughfares. Brick streets have been used 
for eight years and are satisfactory. Of the fifty miles or more 
of streets in the city, over twent}' miles are paved. 

Sewering was introduced in 1878 by the construction of a 
large brick sewer up Walnut street, and from this grew a com- 



124 History of McKeesport. 

plete system of sewering which tlioroughh' drains the city streets 
and alleys. 

Public wharfs or boat landings became essential years ago. 
The was first constructed at the foot of Market street about 1S44. 
G. A. Forbes, an old riverman. was the contractor. The Third 
street wharf followed in 1852, and the Ninth street wharf in i860. 

About the year 1880, a vigorous movement was started to 
induce the borough to erect a water works. It was essential to 
the welfare of the people and to meet the demands of the rapidly 
growing community. Council undertook the construction under 
the superintendence of Hatch & Taylor, borough engineers, who 
designed the work; and on Septeml)er 13th, 1882, it accepted 
from the contractors the works in complete operation, at a cost 
of one hundred and four thousand, three hundred and ninety-one 
dollars. The w^orks have cost up to the date of the last report 
three hundred and seventeen thousand, nine hundred and ninety- 
seven dollars. They are operated on the reservoir plan, the basin 
having an elevation of three hundred and nine feet above low 
water mark. The higher elevations are supplied by what is 
known as the "high service system," the water being pumped 
b\' supplemental pumps, from the reservoir direct to the dis- 
tributing mains, the pressure being regulated according to the 
amount of water consumed. The distributing s}'stem comprises 
twenty-nine miles of street mains. Three thousand and twelve 
permits have been issued to consumers and l)esides supph'ing 
these customers two hundred and three fire hydrants are pro- 
vided for. The receipts by the department in 1893 were thirty- 
seven thousand, one hundred and thirty-nine dollars, and expen- 
ditures twent}-eight thousand, seven hundred and forty-two 
dollars. Tlie dail}' average consumption of water is three hun- 
dred and eighty-four thousand, six hundred and nineteen gallons. 
The reservoir has a capacity of five million gallons and the 
pumping capacity of the works largely exceeds that for each 



Our Municipal Life. 



125 



twenty-four hours service. Tlie pumps are operated about half- 
time. The first superintendent was Joseph Ecoff, wlio was suc- 
ceeded by John F. Nicoll. Council erected and had charge of the 
works until the borough was succeeded by the city. 

Under the cit}' charter the water works passed into the care of 
a water commission, elected in i8gi, and consisting of A. 
Inskeep, George Mars and C. A. Walker. Mr. Mars resigned 
and was succeeded by Charles Patterson, and he with Messrs. 
Inskeep and Walker, compose the present commission. 

The erection of the water works caused the abandonment of 
draw wells and pumps, did away with rain-water barrels at every 
home and knocked in the head a once flourishing industry, viz: 
the hauling of water from the river in wagons and its sale to the 
people. 

McKeesport was formally incorporated as a city of the third 
class, in i8go. 

In the administration of its municipal affairs McKeesport has 
made few mistakes and they were not of a serious character, 
being the fault of hasty action or the lack of good judgment. No 
scandal has ever disgraced the administration of its affairs at any 
period of its history. 




StDcdish NeiDspapers. 



fflcKEESPORT has a large Swedish population, and the 
necessity for a Swedish newspaper being apparent, the 
Sr'i-//sA'a W-ikobladct was established, in i8go, by Oscar E. Lind- 
bom. The first number was issued on January i8th. It is a 
seven-column, eight-page weekh'. devoted to Swedish news, pa}'- 
ing particular attention to the interests of Swedes in Pennsyl- 
vania, Ohio and Northern New York. A. J. Lannis is editor. 
The paper is successful and claims to circulate in every state in 
the Union. It has a complete outfit and employs Swedish 
printers. 

The Swcdis]i Mcssr>ii:;fi- was established, in 1892, by Rev. 
Kalberg. It was a weekly publication, but not proving success- 
ful it became defunct in 1894. 




^..,. ^■^'^^f n "r^^^"^ 







o 



The Fire Department. 



OLDER citizens well remember the bucket brigade which did 
\eoman service whenever an alarm of fire called out the 
populace. Every citizen in town was expected to fall in line 
and pass along the buckets of water from the wells and rain- 
water barrels to the fire, and not infrequenth' from the rivers. 
For many years Samuel H. Hoffman was chief, or rather general 
director of the rabble that fought the fire fiend. It must be said, 
however, that the old bucket brigade did noble work and seldom 
did it fail to gain the master}' over a fire. Alarms of fire were 
given in those days by a general ringing of church and school 
bells, and the blowing of all the steam whistles in town. Upon 
hearing this signal, everybod}' in town considered it his duty to 
answer the alarm in person. 

In 1873, a step was taken to improve the character of fire 
fighting by the formation of a volunteer company, known as the 
Eagle fire company. The citizens purchased a hand hook-and- 
ladder truck and several two-wheeled hose-reels, to be drawn bv 
hand, and the bucket brigade was driven out of service. The 
Eagle company did good work for several years but the rapid 
growth of the town demanded a further step forward in the direc- 
tion of better protection against fire, and, in 1885, Councils estab- 
lished a ]-)aid department, furnished modern hose-reels, hook-and- 
ladder trucks, horses, and a sj'stem of fire alarm telegraph. At 
present the department consists of three companies, located 
in different districts, housed in modern brick and stone fire 
.stations, and supplied with the latest improved machinery for 



128 History of McKf.esport. 



fighting fires, except steam engines which are not necessary in 
this city, the reservoir pressure in the street mains being strong 
enough to force water throngli hose to the top of the highest 
building. 

The paid department was organized Jul}- 8th, 18(85, and it con- 
sisted of one man, W'm. A. King, who had charge of a hook-and- 
ladder truck and depended upon volunteers helping him when 
he turned out. The department was increased to include four 
men, on January 3rd, 1887, with James McQuade as chief. James 
McAllister became chief on October 3rd, and he still holds the 
office. The department now consists of three fire stations, fully 
equipped, twentv-one men and eleven head of horses. Horses 
were introduced in 1886 and a fire alarm telegraph in 1887. 
The city now possesses facilities for fighting fires that are ample 
in scope and creditable in character. 




McKeesport s Burgesses. 



'HE first burgess of the Borough of McKeesport was Capt. 
James R. Hendrickson, mentioned in another part of this 
history. He was elected in 1842. He was succeeded by Wm. 
Cook, in 1843; Thomas Penne}', 1844; Theodore MarHn, 1845; 
Thomas Penney, 1846; OHyer Eyans, 1847; John Trich, 1S48; 
Robert Shaw, 1849; John Wilkinson, 1850; J. B. Mitchell, 1851; 
Hugh Rowland, 1852; A. Atwater, 1853; T. M. Carroll, 1854 
(the year during which the borough issued bonds to the 
Pittsburgh & Connellsville R. R. Company for one hundred 
thousand dollars); Thomas L)'nch, 1855; Hugh Rowland, 1856; 
W. H. Hill. 1857; Robert Shaw, 1858; Thomas Penney, 1859 
and i860. Burgess Penne}' resigned his office on September 2nd, 
1 86 1, and on the same day eyery member of Council resigned. 
There is no record of the election of either burgess or council- 
men to fill out that \'ear, and consequenth' no taxes were levied 
and McKeesport was a municipality without a head. James H. 
Berry was elected burgess in 1862: John W. Patterson, 1863; 
Lewis Haney, 1864; Wm. Atwater, 1865; James R. Hendrickson, 
i866-'67; A. W. Lukens, i868-'69-'7o-'7i ; W. P. Wampler (the 
boy burgess) 1872; James F. Ryan, i873-'74; W. P. Wampler, 
1875; Frederick Houghton, i876-'77; John W. Scott, 1878-79; 
A. Inskeep, i88o-'8i-'82; Thomas Tilbrook, i883-'84; B. B. 
Coursin, 1885; W. W. Hunter, 1886; B. B. Coursin, 1887; 
James H. McLure, i888-'8g; Thomas Tilbrook, 1890, who was 
the last burgess to serve the borough and he became the first 
mayor of the city. 



130 History of McKeesport. 

In earlier years the office of burgess was rather a sinecure, but 
during the last fifteen 3'ears of the borough's existence it became 
a very important office, its duties becoming more numerous each 
year and the responsibility heavier and heavier. The town had 
outgrown the scope of the laws governing boroughs. For years 
it was the largest borough in the state. The change from a 
borough to a city was necessary long before the change was 
made. At first the burgess drew no salary but afterward a small 
salary was attached to the office. 




Justices of the Peace and Aldermen. 



fiRIOR to the passage of a- law by the legishiture making 
Justices of the Peace elective, they were appointed b}' the 
Governor of the state, and their commissions thus granted held 
good for life, or during good behavior. The first Justice 
appointed in this part of Versailles township was James Evans, 
who received his commission in 1820. He held ofifice continu- 
ously until about 1840 when, on account of the disabilities of old 
age, he ceased to act. Robert Shaw was then appointed and he 
was in office when McKeesport received its charter of incorpor- 
ation as a borough. The first Justice elected by the borough 
was Joseph Wampler. He served several terms. He was one 
of the oldest citizens of the town when he died, and he was a 
man of considerable local celebrity on account of his inventive 
genius. His opportunities in earl}' life were ver}' limited, 
having attended school but three months' time. When a boy of 
sixteen 3'ears he manufactured a clock, his onl\' tools being a 
penknife, a gimlet and a knitting needle. The clock is said to 
have kept good time for a number of years. He became quite 
celebrated on account of his astronomical knowledge. He made 
barometers, microscopes, several large telescopes and a planet- 
arium which is in use to-day in the New York Observator}^ at 
Albany. 

Justice Wampler was succeeded by John Evans, Joshua Goff, 
A. J. Brown, Lewis Haney, John Nesbit, James H. Berry 
Robert Shaw, R. D. Jones, Wm. Munkittrick, A. Inskeep, 
Thomas Tilbrook, James L. Carroll, Robert Clark, J. B. 
McMarlin, D. C. Hughes, Thomas Daft, W. T- Dart, Joseph A. 
Skelley and Samuel Fields. 




JOSEPH WAMPLER, 
First Justice of the Peace of McKeesport. 



The City of McKcesport. 



ffl(;KEESPORT having outgrown the swaddHngs of a 
borough and discovering that a city, in all but the name, 
could not, without serious detriment to its prospects continue 
an)- longer, it took the necessar}- steps in the year i8go, to cast 
aside the old regime and it emerged, clothed as a third-class city. 
It was an important step, as it enlarged the scope of government 
and gave to the people rights and privileges, not obtainable 
under the borough charter. Thomas Tilbrook, who had been 
burgess, was elected ma3'or, George B. Herwick, controller and 
Jacob Everett, treasurer. Select Council chose R. J. Black for 
president, and the choice of Common Council for president of 
that branch was James Z. Andre. R. C. Rankin was elected city 
solicitor. The salary of the Mayor was fixed at fifteen hundred 
dollars per annum: controller, fifteen hundred dollars; treas- 
urer, fifteen hundred dollars and solicitor fifteen hundred dollars. 

The city officers in this Centennial year are James Z. Andre, 
mayor; George B. Herwick, contioller; Frank M. Everett, trea- 
surer; President of Select Council is James Campbell and of 
Common Council, John Gilchrist; Street Commissioner, Thomas 
McGraw; City Engineer, Fred W. Patterson; Health officer, 
Freeland Chester. 

The Police Department includes Chief Geo. M. Fehr, two 
lieutenants, a sergeant and a cit}' patrol numbering twenty-eight 
men. The Water and the Fire Departments are complete and 
McKeesporters are proud of their city government. 

The changing of the corporation from a borough to a city, was 
a wise step. It gave McKeesport a new dignity, enlarged the 



34 HiS'i'ORY OF McKekspori'. 



form of its government, and introduced new methods in all its 
departments which acceptabh- fulfill the requirements of the 
communitx'. At once the cit_\' took upon itself metropolitan airs 
and it is advancing steadih' along tliose lines. To-dav it is a 
well governed cit}-, generalh' recognized as perhaps the most 
notable cit\' of its size in the commonwealth of Penns\ Ivania — 
certainh the most wide awake and successful cit\- in the West 
entl of the state, outside of Pittsburgh. 

Adjoining the cit\', and substantial!}' forming a part of it. is the 
borough of Reynoldtou. It was incorporated in 1S87, and 
Thomas Reynolds served as first burgess. The present burgess 
is John Wall. The borough contains about three thousand 
inhabitants. 

The borough of Duquesne was incorporated in iHgi, and the 
people elected John W. Crawford, burgess. James Crawford is 
the present burgess. It is a live, pushing, manufacturing town 
and the citizens claim a population of seven or eight thousand 
people. 

Christy Park was incorporated as a borough in 1^93. George 
Smith was first burgess and being re-elected is still in office. 
The population is about two thousand persons. 

Port View was incorporated in 1892. Robert Caughe\' was 
elected burgess and is still continued in office. The present 
population is about one thousand, but the opportunities for a 
large increase are very good. In point of territor\- covered it is 
said to be the largest borough in the United States. Prospec- 
tively it is a town of twent\' or twenty-five thousand persons. 

These boroughs and other contiguous settlements, not incor- 
porated, form a fringe around the city of McKeesport, but to all 
intents and purposes they are a substantial part of the city. 



^ 



A Recapitulation. 



QcKEESPORT is a manufacturing cit3% ranking as the best 
in Western Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh. 

Indicative of the city's importance as a manufacturing center 
the following data is offered. It is from the government bulletin 
of the census of i8go, which gave manufacturing statistics of one 
hundred and sixty-five principal cities in the United States 
having a population of upwards of twenty thousand: 

"The city reports in all one hundred and eighteen establish- 
ments coming under the head of manufactories. The totals are 
given under each head. 

"Under the head of capital the value of hired property is given 
at one hundred and sixty-six thousand, eight hundred and ninety- 
six dollars; direct investment, ten million, nine hundred and 
sevent3'-nine thousand, eight hundred and twelve dollars; land, 
six hundred and thirty-one thousand, and twenty dollars; build- 
ings, six hundred and ninety-six thousand, six hundred and 
twenty dollars; machinery, tools and implements, two million, 
nine hundred and fifteen thousand, two hundred and seventy- 
nine dollars. Live assets consisting of raw materials are 
reported at one million, two hundred and seven thousand, and 
ninety-six dollars; stock in process and finished products on 
hand, one million, nine hundred and fifteen thousand, three hun- 
dred and seventy-five dollars; cash, bills and accounts receivable 
and all sundries not elsewhere reported, three million, six hun- 
dred and fourteen thousand, four hundred and twenty-two dol- 
lars. 



136 History of McKeesport. 

"Under the head of miscellaneous expenses the figures are: 
Total, seven hundred and thirt\-seven thousand, five hundred 
and sixtv-two dollars; rent paid for tenanc}', fifteen thousand, 
and ten dollars; taxes, one hundred and fifteen thousand, seven 
hundred and forty-six dollars; insurance, twelve thousand, nine 
hundred and sixty-one dollars; repairs, ordinary, of buildings and 
machiner}^ one hundred and fifty-six thousand, three hundred 
and forty dollars; amount paid to contractors, twentv-nine thou- 
sand, seven hundred and thirty-nine dollars; interest paid on 
cash used in the business, one hundred and twenty-two thou- 
sand, three hundred and fifteen dollars; all sundries not else- 
where reported, two hundred and eighty-five thousand, four 
hundred and fifty-one dollars. 

"Average number of employes and total wages are figured in 
aggregates: Average number, six thousand, two hundred and 
ninety-two; total wages, three million, four hundred and thirty- 
six thousand, five hundred and thirt}--nine dollars. Officers, 
firm members, and clerks, males above sixteen years number 
two hundred and three and wages paid, two himdred and forty- 
three thousand, six hundred and eight3'-five dollars. The females 
above fifteen years number eleven; wages, three thousand, two 
hundred and ninety-six dollars. Number of male operatives, 
skilled and unskilled above sixteen years, five thousand, five 
hundred and sixty-seven; wages, three million, seventeen thou- 
sand, three hundred and eleven dollars. Number of female 
operatives, skilled and unskilled, ninety-two; wages, twenty-four 
thousand, four hundred and ten dollars; number of children 
emplo\ed, one hundred and fifty-one; wages, twenty-four thou- 
sand, five hundred and sixt}'-two dollars. Piece-workers, males 
above sixteen years, two hundred and sixt3'-five; wages, one 
hundred and twenty-two thousand, three hundred and thirty- 
nine dollars; female piece-workers above fifteen years, three; 
wages, nine hundred and thirty-six dollars. 



A Recapitulation. 137 



"Cost of materials used: Ten million, six hundred and seven- 
teen thousand, three hundred and thirt\'-eight dollars; principal 
materials, nine million, seven hundred and sixteen thousand, eight 
hundred and sixt3--five dollars; fuel, one hundred and seventy-six 
thousand, nine hundred and one dollars: renters of power and 
heat, one himdred and t\vent\'; mill supplies, tliree hundred and 
three thousand, one hundred anti fort\'-t\vo dollars; all other 
materials, four hundred and twentv thousand, three hundred and 
nineteen dollars. 

'•\"alue of product: Total, seventeen million, four hundred 
and thirt\ -two thousand, seven hundred and twentv-one dollars; 
principal products, seventeen million, one hundred and fift3'-one 
thousanti, one hundred and seventy-one dollars; all other pro- 
ducts including receipts from custom-work and repairing, two 
hundred and eightN'-one thousand, five hundred and fifty dollars." 

These figures were gathered by the Government in the early 
part of i8go, four years ago, at which time many new factories 
were projected and additions were being made to plants alread}^ 
in existence. These have since been completed and put into 
operation, and a similar condition applies to the sister town of 
Duquesne. The next Government census will show a wonder- 
ful increase over the figures given above. The financial, fol- 
lowed by the trade depression of '93-'94, has retarded, but has 
not stopped the growth of the city. Its past is a record of won- 
derful growth and prosperity and its future is surrounded by the 
halo of a golden bow of promise of a greater and grander growth, 
a more noble and more glorious existence. 

Last May the county canvassers prepared their annual report 
to the Secretar}' of Internal Affairs, showing the number of tax- 
ables, amount of real and personal property taxed, and the 
amount of taxes assessed for state purposes in the county of 
Allegheny for the year 1894, and in that report McKeesport 
made the following showine;: 



138 



History of McKeesport. 









Aindiiiit of inoiifv at interest, 


Ward. 


Viiliic »l rt'iil estiite. 


Aggrf'sratf iiiinMint ot comity 
tax iissfssed. 


in deeds and iiiortsruEres, jiid?- 






nients, bonds, notes, storks, etc. 


I 


$1,297,490 


$2,752 27 


$103,295 


2 


1,836,265 


3.435 31 


309,030 


3 


1,430,130 


3.325 32 


87,635 


4 


2.624,905 


5.447 33 


72,600 


5 


1,284,810 


2,513 51 


124,765 


6 


2,066,904 


3,866 37 


89,305 


7 


1,402,140 


2,817 90 


168,610 


8 


1,027,950 


2,287 44 


39.030 



In the recapitulation at the close of the report this city 
appears as below: 

Number of taxables 8,343 

Real estate $12,970,595 00 

Real estate exempt 1,140,190 00 

Real estate taxable 11, 830, 405 00 

Horses, mares, geldings and mules 500 

Value of horses, etc $ 36,990 7° 

Number of meat cattle 70 

Value of meat cattle $ i,345 0° 

Salaries, emoluments of office, etc 1,349,300 00 

All property taxable for county 13,222,725 00 

Amount of county tax assessed 26,445 00 

Money at interest, etc 994, 270 00 

Value of stages, etc 4,685 00 

All property taxable for state 998,955 00 

Amount of state tax assessed 3.995 82 

These figures represent the values placed upon property by 
the ward assessors and so far as the real estate is concerned, are 
much below its actual value, such valuations usually being from 
one-half to two-thirds the actual value, or, in other words, the 
amount that properties would sell for at forced sale, under any 
circumstances that might necessitate such sales. These figures 
indicate a strong and healthy community. 

In this, our Centennial year, we stand upon the pinnacle of a 
success well earned. We find ourselves an incorporated city of 
the third class, having within its corporate limits twenty-seven 
churches, eighty-two school-rooms, with sixteen more under con- 



A Recapitulation. 139 



tract; fift\-two secret ami beneficial societies; three dail}' and 
one weekly newspapers; three national and one state banks with 
a combined capital of six hnndred thonsand dollars, and in fairly 
good times an average deposit of over two million dollars; one 
hnndred and eighteen mills and indnstries, emploj'ing over fifteen 
thonsand hands, which, when rnnning fnll, pa\- ont in wages 
over one hnndred thonsand dollars per week. We have over 
twent}' miles of finel)- paved thoronghfares out of a total of fift}- 
miles of streets; a complete system of sewers; about fifteen 
miles of electric street rail\va\'s; a fineh' equipped fire depart- 
ment; a complete water-works s\stem. capable of supphing a 
much larger population; four lines of steam railwa3's fiunishing 
competing "through freight rates" to an}- railway station in the 
country, and which transport one million, eight hundred thou- 
sand tons of city freight per annum; an electric light plant; 
natural and artificial gas plants; four passenger bridges; two 
railway bridges; three miles of water-front connecting the cit}' 
with all the navigation of the Ohio and Mississippi valleys and 
soon to be connected to the great lakes by a ship canal; two 
metropolitan theatres; a magnificent hospital; a board of trade; 
Young Men's Christian Association, etc. 

A fair, conservative valuation placed upon the city is twenty 
million dollars and the population, including the suburbs, closely 
approximates forty-five thousand. 

This is the city of which we have attempted an historical and 
statistical description, from its inception to its Centennial year. 
This is the cit_\- which stands out prominentl}' as the giant of the 
industrial communities surrounding it, the monarch of the valle}', 
the peerless princess of the Monongahela. It is the metropolis 
of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny valleys, at the confluence 
of the rivers, on the lines of the leading railwa}' systems of this 
great countr\', anchored to a prosperity thoroughly established 
upon a foundation financial!}' as secure as the rock ribbed 



140 



History of McKeesport. 



hills which surround antl guard the cit\-; and McKeesport 
cannot help increasing its prosperitw adding to its great 
industries, enlarging its territorial limits, increasing its popu- 
lation, gaining a far greater prestige and of finally reaching 
the summit of that measure of success which ever}' lo\al, 
energetic, progressive American cit}' seeks to attain. The 
past has already demonstrated the strength that this young city 
is capable of developing. The future is faced with confidence 
and the people enter upon the second centur\' of the life of 
McKeesport, strong in the conviction that the Great Ruler of the 
Universe regards the conimunit\ with especial favor. The suc- 
cesses of the past will be discounted by those of the future and 
the generations following the celebration of the city's Centennial, 
will say that their predecessors turned over to them a sulistantial 
foundation to build upon. 

McKeesport is proud of her success, her possessions, her past 
and the promises of the future. A spot in the tangle of the 
frontier forest one hundred years ago, surrounded by a wilder- 
ness — a locality where the sturd}' pioneer fought with the Indian 
for possession and won — has grown into the splendid city to-day, 
surrounded h\ an industrial activity and capable of industrial 
achievement, that is and will continue to be the wonder of the 
nations of the world. 




Officers of the City of McKeesport, 1894 



MAYOR, 

James Z. Andre. 

CONTROLLER, 

George B. Herwick. 

'I'RF.ASURER, 

Frank M. Everett. 

SOLICITOR, 

Robert C. Rankin. 

CITY ENGINEER, 

Fred W. Patterson. 



Members of the Select Council. 



First Ward, Thomas Farnan. 
Second Ward, James Campbell. 
Third Ward, John P. Allman. 
Fourth Ward, W. T. Miller. 
Fifth Ward, Robert Ta3lor. 
Sixth Ward, Oliver Black. 
Seventh Ward, Harry Myers. 
Eighth Ward, Oliver G. Jones. 



142 



History of ?\IcKi-:i:si'ori'. 



Members of the Common Council 



First Ward, James Y. Caughey, D. H. Powers. 
Sfx'ONI) Ward, Edwin Soles, Alfred B. O'Neil. 
Third Ward, A. N. Myers, W. H. West. 
Fourth Ward, James E. Patterson, George F. Graff. 
Fifth Ward, Daniel G. Donovan, George H. Lysle. 
Sixth Ward, James Stratton, Samuel O. Dowry. 
Seventh Ward, Peter Kenney, W. K. Herbert. 
Eighth Ward, John Gilchrist, J. C. O'Connor. 




School Controllers of McKccsport, 1894. 



PRESIDENT, 

F. W. Burlingame. 

SECRETARY, 

James D. Foster. 

TREASURER, 

Frank M. Everett. 



Members. 



First Ward, A. B. Fox, George Tate. 
Sec(_)ND Ward, L. P. Chester, Amzi Morgan. 
Third Ward, Randolph R. Reynolds, Joel T. Painter. 
Fourth Ward, F. W. Burlingame, John M. Kinkaid. 
Fifth Ward, Daniel S. Tobin, Edward M. Trich. 
Sixth Ward, J. W. Fawcett, J. L. Hammitt. 
Seventh Ward, James D. Foster, George Fehr. 
Eighth Ward, Alex. Lugner, George We^•er. 



0^ 




e^^ji? 










-:;>•<-♦ - 



APPENDIX 









1 " 



McKeesport's Centennial Celebration. 



HE project of glorioush' celebrating McKeesport's Cen- 
tennial was talked over informally for nian\' months before 
an_ything like a definite plan was formulated. Little knots of 
old-timers would find themselves in a reminiscential mood on 
the curb-stone or in offices. School days, and the times of coal- 
boat floating were lived over again; loquacious excursions were 
made in search of names carved on the old school house; dates 
and incidents were contradicted or assented to, and diaries and 
old records were unearthed for the next chance meeting. Thus 
the months passed, serving only to revive memories and create 
more enthusiasm for the general reception of the proposition to 
have a celebration that would be worthv of the worthy cause. 

But who should take the initiative? Who undertake the 
responsibilit}' of the Centennial? It was assuredly not in the 
province of the City Councils; no historical society existed or 
could be created in the now too brief time remaining, with 
necessary paraphernalia and equipment to push the project; nor 
was there any organized association of old residents to act as 
sponsors; nothing but the pervading idea that so/iicliody ought 
to Jo something. 

Finalh' it was determined to allow the Board of Trade to 
assume the responsibilit\- of the celebration, and at a meeting of 
that body on July 25th, 1893, W. E. Harrison offered a motion 
which is recorded in the Board of Trade proceedings as follows: 

''On motion of j\Ir. Harrison a committee of five be appointed 
by the president, to suggest a general plan of conducting a Cep- 



14S APPENDIX. 



tennial celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the 
founding of McKeesport. The motion prevailed and the presi- 
dent [Magnus Pflaum] appointed the following committee: W. 
E. Harrison, J. D. O'Neil, Robert Ta3dor, Francis Gannon, J. 
1). Evans." 

7die deliberations and action of this committee are somewhat 
fully indicated by the report to the Board of Trade at the next 
meeting. To quote again from the minutes of that body under 
date of August 2gth, 1893: 

•■'The committee on Centennial Celebration submitted the fol- 
lowing report: 

"The committee appointed by the Board of Trade to suggest 
the most feasible manner of arranging for the one hundredth 
anniversary of the laying out of the "town'' (now city) of 
McKeesport, met and elected J. D. O'Neil secretary,', and after a 
full interchange of opinion, decided to rei)ort in favor of ajipoint- 
ing a general committee of nine members of the Board of Trade, 
consisting of the following persons: Capt. A. B. Campbell, 
W. J. Sharpies, Jno. K. Skelley, W. P. Wampler, J. D. O'Neil, 
Robt. Ta}lor, James. L. Devenn}', John W. Stewart and W. E. 
Harrison to ]ia\e full charge of all arrangements, designate the 
date, plan the details, decide and control all matters pertaining to 
the celebration, and to report progress at the regular meetings of 
the Board of Tratle. 

"On motion the report was received and the action of the 
committee ratified." 

Proceedings of the General Committee. 



Acting under the authorit\' of the resolution of the Board of 
Trade, of August 2gth, 1S93, the General Committee at once went 
to work. Although there would doubtless be a year elapse from 
their appointment until tiie celebration exercises were con- 



APPENDIX. 14Q 



sunimated, 110 time must be lost. An\- mistake or shortcoming 
in the detaiLs of the Centennial would be laid to their official 
incapacity, while their success would redound to the credit and 
glor}' of the whole community. 

On September 14th, 1S93, the committee formalh' organized 
tor work, by selecting W. E. Harrison, president; [ohn \\'. 
Stewart, secretar}- and W. P. Wampler, treasurer. 

Weekly, bi-weekly, daily meetings then followetl. Each mem- 
ber gave largeh', liberally, of his time to the work of the General 
Committee, to consultation with sub committees, to collection of 
historical data, to resurrecting and securing relics, to formulat- 
ing methods for enlisting the cooperation of all citizens, to 
raising funds to defray expenses in a time when funcis were very 
hard to secure, and to keeping steadily at work the au.xiliary 
committeemen. 

Ever}' available means of advertising was sought and embraced; 
the local newspapers were afforded full access to the records of 
the committee, as of each sub-committee, and nobly did the}^ 
handle all tips and items which might conduce to the ciissemina- 
tion of information as to the actions, desires and intentions of 
the managers; invitations and circulars were placed judiciously; 
former residents sought out in their widely separated haunts and 
urged to revive their memories of early years, and interest them- 
selves as of 3'ore in the cit}'. 

Merchants, attorne3s, physicians, business men, and all who 
have occasion for correspondence were urged to have placed on 
their stationery, either in printed or stamped form, some appro- 
priate inscription calling attention to the coming Centennial and 
requesting the attendance of all who might peruse the inscrip- 
tion. The General Committee adopted and recommended a 
stamp embracing the idea, and it was largely used. 

Much of the routine labor and worry of selecting committees 
was left to the respective chairmen, whom the General Com- 



I50 APPENDIX. 



mittee appointed earl}', with instructions to select and refer to 
them for re\ision, a list of at least ten colleagues. The only 
restrictions placed on these various sub-chairmen were that they 
should not select members of the General Committee nor chair- 
men of other committees, and that the\- should endeavor to per- 
form the duties assigned to tlicm b\' the General Committee. 
These duties in the main were outlined in the report of a special 
committee appointed for that purpose on January igth, 1894, 
consisting of W. J. Sharpies, W. P. Wampler and A. B. 
Campbell, with President W. E. Plarrison. 

That report as adopted and spread on the minutes of the 
General Committee is appended: 

History. 

To collect all data, arrange, prepare and publish the same in 
book form. 

Finance. 

To solicit and collect all mone3S necessary for carrying on the 
celebration, turn over the same to the general treasurer, receive 
voucher therefor, and appro\e all bills previous to pa}"ment. 

Inoitation. 

To prepare forms of and issue invitations to prominent persons 
whom it may be considered desirable to invite; also to ascertain 
the post-office address of former citizens and invite the same; 
also to meet them on their arrival and escort them to the 
Entertainment Committee. 

Speakers. 

To invite such speakers for the occasion as may be determined 
upon, to meet and take charge of them on arrival, and see that 
their entertainment is provided for. 



APPENDIX. 151 



Procession. 

To arrange and take charge of all processions and parades; 
select routes and all other details pertaining to the same. 

Military. 

To arrange for such military displays as ma}' be decided upon; 
also see to having arrangements for firing salutes. 

Music. 

To arrange for both instrumental and vocal music, such as 
ma}- be found necessar}' for the occasion. 

Entertainment. 

To arrange for entertainment of all guests of the city; and, as 
far as practical, see that ample provision is made for entertain- 
ment of strangers. 

Press and Printing. 

To see to proper advertising of the Centennial and arrange for 
all printing that may be necessary. 

Churches and Sunday Schools. 

To aid the General Committee in such manner as may be 
decided upon in conference hereafter. 

Societies, Unions and Clubs. 

To invite and arrange with all societies for participation in the 
parades; to acknowledge acceptance of the same and report to 
chairman of committee on procession. 

Antiquarian. 

To arrange for a suitable place; collect and arrange for exhib- 
iting all relics, or pieces of antiquity, that would seem to be 
interesting for such an occasion; take charge of the exhibit and 



152 APPENDIX. 



give vouchers for the safe return of any material loaned for the 
occasion. 

Fire Worhs. 

To purchase an}' fire works that ma}' be deemed necessary 
and take charge of the displa}'. 

Transportation. 

To arrange with the railroad companies for special rates of 
fare and provide carriages for the guests and distinguished 
persons in the processions. 

Decoration. 

To attend to such decorating as the General Committee may 
decide upon; urge all citizens in matter of decoration; to request 
whistles and bells of city and environs to blow and ring at noon, 
announcing dawn of Centennial. 

The above committees, in compliance with the action of the 
Board of Trade, are to confer with the General Committee; 
report all proceedings and be subject to the approval of General 
Committee. 

Among the more difficult (Questions to decide, aside from the 
all important one of finance, was that of date. At the very first 
session of the Committee that subject was thoroughly discussed 
and a time selected. Afterward contention was made and much 
pressure was brought to bear to have the festivities cover two 
days. The second day's program was accordingly added. 

Then the G. A. R. encampment ver}^ inauspiciously changed 
the date of its assembl3'ing, in the adjoining city of Pittsburgh, 
to exactly the same dass on which McKeesport desired to 
engage the undivided attention and admiration of the world. 
This clash of interests would prevent reciprocal participation, the 
undeniable desire of many, so in a spirit of generous forgiveness 
and veneration to the worthy veterans, our date was changed to 



APPENDIX. 153 



August 2gtli aud 30II1. This date was soon found to be unsuit- 
able for mauv reasons, and another and the third date was 
selected, which now seems to be the one that should first have 
come to mind, after the determination to liave the celebration in 
the fall — tliat of September 13th and 14th. Just following the 
G. A. R. encampment in Pittsburgh, it will permit many per- 
sons from distant parts of tlic countr\- to participate in both 
demonstrations, who otherwise would be able to indulge in only 
one. Other and similar reasons seem to point to the perfect 
adaptabilit}- of the date finalh- fixed. 

Funds must be raised to carr}' out any project. The more 
general and public the object the more difficult}- there is in 
getting to the source of financial supph'. Owing to the forcible 
closing of our iron mills on account of laloor troubles, it was not 
apparent from whence a guarantee of expenses could be secured 
by the General Committee. On Ma}' 14th, 1894, John W. 
Stewart presented the following paper which was adopted: 

"Whereas, the proposed celebration of our Centennial year 
seems to meet with the universal approval of our citizens; and 
as we anticipate profitable returns in the future from this adver- 
tising of our city: and as it is no unusual thing for municipalities 
to contribute to public demonstrations, therefore 

"Be it resolved that the Mayor and Councils be requested to 
make an appropriation of one thousand dollars toward assisting 
to defrav the necessary expenses of the same." 

Councils, after due consideration, adopted a joint resolution 
making the appropriation petitioned for. 

This sum, with liberal subscriptions from citizens, it was 
thought would aggregate an amount sufficient to cover all 
expenses, although the expenses were necessarily large, including 
printing, rent, music, transportation, vehicles for distinguished 
speakers and guests, entertainment, and the hundreds of items 
involved in such an enterprise. 



154 APPENDIX. 



The Antiquarian Committee exhibited its displa}' on three 
days, in CoHseum Hall, in the building bounded by Sixth 
avenue, Tube Works alle}', Shaw avenue and the Baltimore & 
Ohio R. K. The central and accessible location of this exhibit 
was of great advantage to visitors. The attendants and attachees 
appeared attired in characteristic costumes representative of dif- 
ferent st\'les of dress in vogue during the past centur}'. The 
antique articles and relics promised and secured for exhibition 
assured a displav of considerable extent, consisting of bronze, 
china and pewter ware and utensils, costumes and textile fabrics, 
implements of various trades, manuscripts and books, title 
papers and records, Indian relics and weapons of warfare, relics 
of Braddock's march through this cit}-, jewelr}-, coin, maps, 
newspapers, paintings and pictures, household furniture, 
McKeesport"s first postoffice, etc., most of which relics had a 
local signification, few exhibits having had a national character. 

The Invitation Committee distributed and mailed five thou- 
sand handsomely engraved invitations, which found their wa}- to 
all points of the countr}-. The object thereof was two-fold — to 
advertise the city and to enlist the assistance of former residents 
and insure their attendance. The records of this committee 
show that invitation was extended to President Cleveland and 
his cabinet and other heads of the Federal Government at 
Washington, to Governor Pattison. his advisors and staff and 
all heads of our State administration, to the Mayors and Councils 
of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, and all or nearly all 
cities within the state, to each of the Burgesses and Town Coun- 
cils of the nearly fifty boroughs within Allegheny county, to the 
municipalities in adjoining and nearb}' counties, to U. S. Sen- 
ators and Representatives of this state, to State Senators and 
Representatives from this county, to each of our County Court 
Judges (eleven in number), to Ex-Judges of County Courts, to 
the officials of adjoining states and to hundreds of other repre- 



APPENDIX. 155 



sentative officials and bodies, to secret societies and fraternities, 
lodges, organizations, clnbs. corporations, associations, not to 
mention individuals nationalh' or locally eminent either from 
political preferment or from financial, literar}' or professional 
attainment. 

Tdv the Committee on Press and Printing was prepared and 
sent out. in addition to the regular invitations, a special invita- 
tion to three thousand newspapers to send representatives to 
praise or criticise our cit\' and our celebration, to verify or 
disprove the claims set forth in an accompanying statement of 
McKeesport's superior advantages — advantages almost unex- 
celled. Headquarters and entertainment were provided for 
visiting newspaper men and journalists. 

The reception and grand Centennial ball was in charge of and 
under the management of the Entertainment Committee. 

Earl)' in the work of the General Committee a generous offer 
was made by S. S. Marvin, of Pittsburgh, to donate a large 
national flag to the celebration and a small flag to each pupil of 
the schools of the citw This donation was thankfully accepted, 
the large flag ordered to be turned over to the municipal author- 
ities after the celebration, and the small flags, to the number of 
five thousand. 'seven hundred, distributed among the school chil- 
dren to be carried in the second day's parade. 

The Music Committee afforded profitable entertainment and 
recreation by a large vocal and instrumental concert in White's 
Opera House, corner of Walnut street and Fifth avenue. The 
chorus comprised nearh'. if not quite all, the singing societies of 
the city and prominent vocalists of the communit}'. The pro- 
gramme very appropriately included popular and patriotic selec- 
tions. 



156 APPENDIX. 



The TtDO Day's Programs. 



The programs, order of parade and routes of procession, as determined 
upon at tlie time when these paj^es were put in tvpe, are appended. 



Centennial Day. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13tli, 1894. 



Cliicf Marslial: Thomas Tii.p.rooi-: 



Twelve o'clock noon: Ringing of bells, blowing of steam 
whistles, booming of cannon, to announce the dawn of the Cen- 
tennial. 

Formation of Procession. 

1.30 p. M.. cannon salute as signal for starting procession. 

First Division. — Form on Market street, right resting on 
South side of Fifth avenue. 

Second Division. — Form on Market street, right resting on 
North side of Fifth avenue. 

Tliird Division. — Form on Fifth avenue, right resting on 
West side of Market street. 

Route. 

Fifth avenue to Walnut street, to Si.xteenth avenue at city 
limits, countermarch to right on Walnut street to Ninth avenue, 
to Market street, to Second a^■tnue. to Walnut street, to Fifth 
avenue, to Riverton street, countermarch to right on Fifth ave- 
nue, to Coursin street, to Shaw avenue, to Huey street, to \'er- 
sailles avenue, to Evans' Commons, pass in review, and disperse. 

Four o'clock: Speeches by eminent men, on Evans' Com- 



APPENDIX. 157 



mons, near Central Presbyterian Church, at corner of \'ersailles 
avenue and Union street. Presiding officer, Frederick Rhodes, 
who was born within a few hundred feet of the site of the 
speakers' stand, ninety-one years ago. 

Ox-Roast on Evans' Commons. 

Eight o'clock: Reception and Centennial ball. 

Antiquarian display in Coliseum all day and evening. 



Order of Procession. 



Sixteen Police, Mounted. 

"Old Guard" of Washington, D. C. 

Escort of Honor. 

Chief Marshal Thos. Tilhrook and Staff. 

Military. 

Secret Societies, Lodges, Unions, Cluhs and Associations. 

Civic Organizations. 

Mexican War Veterans, in Carriages. 

Board of Trade, in Carriages. 

Distinguished Speakers and Guests, in Carriages. 

Mayor, Select and Common Councils and City Officers, 

in Carriages. 
Visiting Municipal Officers, in Carriages. 
Board of Education, in Carriages. 
Citizens in Carriages. 
Interspersed with Bands of Music, Humorous and Fan- 
tastic Features, Etc., Etc. 



158 APPENDIX. 



Industrial Day. 



FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th, 1894. 



Chief Marshal: J. D. O'Nkii.. 



One o'clock: Industrial and Civic parade. 

Balloon Ascension and other attractions on Evans' Commons. 
Eight o'clock: Centennial Concert, White's Opera ?Iouse. 
Antiquarian display in Coliseum all day and evening. 



Order of Procession. 



Industrial Display Consisting of Floats, Represf.ntations 
OF Ancient, Modern and Receni' Methods 
OF Production, Natural and Man- 
ufactured Products. 
Pupils of Public and Parochial Schools, in \^ehicles and 
ON Foot, each Carrvin(; a Flag. 
Representation of Old Log School House. 
Representation of Modern Brick and Stone School 

Building. 

Old-Time Pedagogues. 

Present Pedagogues. 

Humorous Features, Etc., Etc. 



APPENDIX. 159 



The Standing Committees. 



Following is a complete list of the standing committees 
appointed to look after the details of the celebration, to appoint 
necessary sub-committees and to have the general supervision of 
the demonstration, under the general direction of the Board of 
Trade committee: 



Centennial Committee. 

Harrison, W. E., President, 

Campbell, Capt. A. B., 

Devenny, J. L., 

O'Neil, J. D., 

Sharpies, W. J., 

Skelley, J. K., 

Stewart, John W., Secretar)^, 

Taylor, Robert, 

Wampler, W. P., Treasurer. 

Finance. 

Bailie, J. W., Esq.. Chairman, 
Cronemeyer, W. C, 
Davitt, John F.. 
Finley, Samuel F., 
Pitts, E. W., 
Rhodes, D. H., 
Stewart, H. C, 
Volk, B. Jr., 
Williamson, A. K., 
Wood, T. D. 



i6o APPENDIX. 



Inoitation. 

Douglass, E. P., Esq., Chairman, 
Albig, J. W., 
Andre, James Z., 
Applegate, W. A., 
Campbell, James, 
Douglass, J. D., 
Gardner, T. D., 
Gilchrist, J. W., 
Myers, Harry, 
McCune, P. W., 
Pitts, E. W., 
Rhodes, D. H., 
Tawne}-, Chas. A., 
Volk. B. Jr. 

Procession. 

Tilbrook, Thos., E.\-J\Iayor, Chairman. 
Altme\'er, George, 
Boyd, A. S., 
Brooks. H. F., 
Brown, Chas. H., 
Campbell, Capt. A. B., 
Campbell, James, 
Crawford, Capt T. C, 
German, Wm., 
Hardy, D., 
Herwick, Geo. B.. 
Jones, O. G., 
Lynch, Capt. D. H., 
May, R. J , 
Patterson, F. W.. 



APPENDIX. i6i 



Shaw, A. Y. , 
Spangler, J. K., 
Stewart, Henry, 
Williamson, A. K., 
Wood, T. D. 

Military. 

Thompson, Capt. W. E., Chairman, 
Broberg, A., 
Coon, Capt. O. C, 
Durfee, Lieut. L. L., 
Jaycox, Lieut. J no. M., 
Mortimer, J. V., 
Skelle}', Jos. A., 
Speer, Capt. J. Ewing, 
Stewart, Lieut. H. C, 
Wiley, Lieut. Thos. F., 
Wood, John A. 

Music. 

Davis. D. H.. Chairman, 
Bell, W^ H. H., 
Brooks, H. E., 
Corl, Jerry W., 
Lindbom, O. E., 
Mills, Robt., 
Murphey, E. P., 
Schuetze, Fred, 
Taylor, C. W., 
Wampler, F. C, 
Wodka, Felix. 



i62 APPENDIX. 



Churches and Sunday Schools. 

Young, Rev. A. I., United Presb3'terian, Chairman. 

Bockstahler, Rev. J., German M. E. 

Darbaker, Rev. H. D., Reformed. 

Forrester, W. T., Y. M. C. A. 

McCarrell, Rev. J. J., Presbyterian. 

Nolan, Rev. Jas.. Roman CatlioHc. 

Risher, Rev. Levi, (Dravosburg) Presbyterian. 

Rupp, Rev. J. C. F., English Lutheran. 

Ryan, Rev. W. M., Baptist. 

Schmidt. Rev. Gustave, German. 

Strand, Rev. O., Swedish. 

Terbush, Rev. G. W., M. E. 

Societies, Unions and Clubs. 

Myer, G. P., Chairman. 

Blakely, J- F., Protected Home Circle. 

Broberg, August, North Star Lodge. No. 389, K. of P. 

Butler, Jas. J., St. Peter's L}ceum. 

Chester, Frank J., Versailles Council, Royal Arcanum. 

Clark, J. W., No. 16, A. B. A. O. Hibernians. 

Davis, F. v.. No. 6459. A. O. Foresters. 

Eastwood, ]. K.. \'ersailles Council, No. 691, Jr. O. U. A. M. 

Falkenstein, G. J. P., B. P. O. Elks. 

Farley, Owen, Emeralds. 

Farnan, Thos., A. O. Hibernians, No. 16. 

Finch, Major N.. Mexican Veterans. 

Gannon Francis, C. M. B. A., No. 26. 

Golden, Adam, Colored Odd Fellows. 

Grant, W. G., U. S. Grant Council, O. U. A. M. 

Haberman, Fred., Alliquippa Lodge, L O. O. F. 



APPENDIX. 163 



Hamilton, E. E., Tube City Council, No. 378, Jr. O. U. A. M. 

Hampson, Robt., Knights of Honor. 

Heist, Killian, Blucher Lodge, I. O. O. F. 

Herwick, Geo. B., McKeesport Lodge, Order of Tonti. 

Herwig, W. K.. Solon Castle, No. 141 3, K. of Golden Eagle. 

Hofman. C. G., McKeesport Turners. 

James, Richard, No. 217. K. of P. 

Jeffers, J. M., McKeesport Lodge, No. 43, A. O. U. Workmen. 

Johnston, John, No. 312, K. of G. E. (Christy Park). 

Johnston, J. U.. Local Union, No. 177, C. and J. of A. 

Johnstin. U. G., Knights of Maccabees. 

Kuhl, Fred, No. 447, K. of G. E. 

Leppig, Geo. M., Branch No. 57, C. 'M. B. A., German Catholic. 

Lueckert, John, Liederkranz. 

Mulligan, Thos., St. Joseph Beneficial Society. 

McCleary, Samuel W. , Scotia Commandery, No. 116, K. of M. 

Oberlin, W. M., Ariel Commander}^, No. 105, Knights of Malta. 

Parke, J. M.. Woodmen of the World. 

Petty. Thos.. Catholic Knights of America, No. 468. 

Port. John, Order of Red Men. 

Pratt, Joseph, Welcome Stranger Lodge, Sons of St. George. 

Ragensberger, Frank J., St. Mary Beneficial x'Vssociation. 

Rankin, Oscar, Youghioghen}' Lodge, No. 147, I. O. O. F. 

Schoeller, E. A.. Union \'eterans' Union. 

Schreckengost, B. M. Sr., O. U. A. M. ( Re3'noldton ). 

Skelle}'. Jos. A.. INIcKeesport Conclave, No. 81, I. O. H. 

Stewart. Henry, Col. Sam ^^^ Black Post, No. 59, G. A. R. 

Swanson, C. E., No. 6682, A. O. Foresters. 

Thompson, Arthur. K. of P. ( Re\noldton ). 

Wallace, A. C, McKeesport Council, No. log, Jr. O. U. A. M. 

Wardell, Jackson, McKeesport Castle, No. 280, K. of G. E. 

Weatherspoon, Chas., Orangemen. 

Wolf, Emanuel, Youghiogheny Lodge, L O. O. F. 



i64 APPENDIX. 



Woman's and Antiquaries. 

Bailie, Mrs. Anna M., Chairman, 
Campbell, Mrs. A. B., 
Davitt, Mrs. J no. F., 
Demmler, Mrs. A. J., 
Evans, Mrs. James, 
Harrison, Mrs. F. G., 
Harrison, Mrs. W. E., 
Hunter, Mrs. W. W., 
Knox, Mrs. W. F., 
Kuhn, Mrs. Jas. S., 
Lang, Mrs. Anton, 
Lowry, Mrs. S. O., 
Millar, Mrs. Thos. A., 
Riggs, Mrs. R. L., 
R3'an, Mrs. M. F., Sec'y., 
Sharpies, Mrs. W. J., 
Skelley, Mrs. Jos. A., 
Smith, Mrs. Florian, 
Speer, Mrs. J. E.. 
Stewart, Mrs. John W., 
Tassey, Mrs. Emily E., 
TonneM, Mrs. Theo., 
Whigham, Mrs. Margaret W., 
White, Mrs. T. L., 
Wood, Mrs. T. D., 
W^oods, Mrs. E. F., 
Woods, Mrs. J no. T. 

Speakers. 

Rankin, R. C Esq., Chairman, 
Demmler, A. J., 



APPENDIX. 165 



Dunshee, W. A., Esq., 
Ekin, Wm. M., 
German, Wm., 
Hartman, W. E., 
Means, N. A., Esq., 
McCune, Dr. John N., 
Patterson, F. W., 
Ryan, M. F., 
Shaw, S. W. 

Fire Works. 

Mars, George Jr.. Chairman, 
Bolji, Theo. , 
Campbell, Jacob, 
Canghe}', R. J., 
Dersam, J. N., 
Hartman, Geo. W., 
Kahl, C. W., 
Murphey, H. O., 
Wertenbach, J. H., 
West, Wm. E. 

Decorations. 

Bachman, Max, Chairman, 
Butler, L. A., 
Cox, Wm. J., 
Guiser, F. A., 
Hill, Knox C, 
Morgan, W. A., 
Nill, Chas., 
Sellers, P. J., 
Sims, F. E., 
Stone, R. E., 



i66 APPENDIX. 



Sword, J. A. C, 
Yester, Henry A. 

Specialties and Fantastics. 

Good, A. R., Chairman, 

Beam, John R., 

Hoffman, S. H., 

Mclntyre, J. P., 

Nill, Chas., 

O'Neil, Jas. D., (Elizabeth), 

Robinson, Andrew, 

Sims, Franlv E., 

Stone, Geo. A., 

Wadsworth, I. B., 

Wolf. Emannel. 



Transportation. 

Patterson, F. W'.. Chairman, 
Carothers, R. T., 
Devenny, J no. C, 
Hopkins, Gen. E., 
Hunter, O. M., 
Leezer, S. J., 
McGirr, J. J., " 
Means, N. A., 
Noble, C. L., 
O'Neil, Jno. A.. 
Peters, W. B., 
Ryan, Wm., 
Soles, W. C. , 
Woods, E. F. 



APPENDIX. 167 



Colored People. 

Knox, Chas. A., Chairman, 
Bayless, Wm., 
Brown, Wm., 
Davis, W. E., 
Golden, Adam, 
Harris, Robt., 
McClure, J. E.. 
Parish, Daniel W.. 
Walker. Wm. C, 
West, W. B. 

Education. 

Brooks, Prof. H. F., Chairman, 
Boell, Rev. Lawrence, 
Burlingame, Dr. F. W., 
Foster, J. D., 
Gordon, Prof. E. W. , 
Nolan, Rev. Jas., 
Schmidt, Rev. Gustave. 

History. 

Harrison, W. E., Chairman, 
Abbott, W. S., Secretary, 

Edmnndson. Isaac, 

Evans, James, Esq.. 

Stewart, Henry. 

Press and Printing. 

Shale, J. B., Chairman. 
Abbott, W. S., 
Lindbom, Oscar E., 
Nill, Otto G. 



i68 APPENDIX. 



Reception. 

Kulm, Jas. S., Chairman, 
Coursin, F. H., 
Gemmill, J. R., 
Gleason, W. G., 
Haben, Dr. John F., 
Hall, Dr. A. E., 
Harrison, F. G., 
Knox, Dr. W. F., 
Moffatt, Geo. D., 
Murpliey, M. R., 
O'Neil, A. B.. 
Patterson, Peter. 
Soles, Edwin, 
Stuckslager, C. R., 
West, Isaac, 
Wood, R. G. 



APPENDIX. 



169 



S. 
Altmeyer, Geo., 
Bestwick, Jacob, 
Black, Dr. R. J., 
Brooks, Prof. H. F., 
Cairnes, Jas. H., 
Canfield, Jas. H., 
Clark, S. C, 
Corey, M. G., 
Curry, M. L., 
Demmler, W. A., 
Donovan, D. G., 
Edmundson, Jno. B. 
Evans, J. D., 
Fawcett, Dr. J. W., 
Gannon, Francis, 
German, Wm., 
Gibson, H. W., 
Ham mitt, J. L. , 
Hare, Rev. C. A., 
Hofman, Anton, 
Hunter, W. W., 
Junker, W. B., 
Knox, Chas. A., 
Lamp, Henry, 
Laney, Boston, 
Lowry, S. O., 
Lysle, Geo. H., 
Marx, Bernard, 



Entertainment. 

E. Carothers, Chairman, 
May, R. J., 
Moore, Morris R., 
McGirr, J. J., 
Newlin, T. F., 
Nill, J. P., 
Pitts, E. W., 
Porter, Dr. John, 
Power, Dr. H. J., 
Riggs, R. L., 
Robbins, W. N., 
Ryan, M. F., 
Scott, Vankirk 
Sellers, P. J., 
Shaw, A. Y., 
Shaw, John A., 
Smith, J. C, 
Speer, J. Ewing, Esq., 
Squibb, Prof. F. W., 
Stewart, H. C, 
Stone, Jos. A., 
Stuckslager, Dr. C. R., 
Taylor, Dr. W. B., 
VanKirk, Dr. T. R., 
Volk, R. J., 
West, W. E., 
White, Jas. E., 
White, Dr. T. L., 
Woods, Theo. 



APPENDIX. 



Chief Marshal Tilbrook and Staff. 



The selection of a Chief Marshal of the main Centennial 
parade was a matter of considerable quiet contention for some 
time. The responsibilit}- in the first instance seemed to devolve 
upon the Procession committee, by virtue of the full power con- 
ferred thereon by the provision designating powers and duties of 
sub-committees. The secret societies and clubs, as being the 
prospective source of the majorit\- of men in line, thought their 
wishes should be considered. P^inall}' without action or instiga- 
tion on the part of the General Committee, it was tacitly agreed 
that the two sub-committees meet together and reconcile their 
differences. Accordingly such a meeting was held on June 7th, 
at which Thomas Tilbrook was recommended as Chief Marshal. 

The minutes of the General Committee of the regular meeting 
held on the following evening, show this action: 

"Committee on Procession, Thomas Tilbrook, reported having 
held a meeting on Thursday evening, with the committee on 
Societies, at which Thomas Tilbrook was elected Chief Marshal 
of procession, subject to the approval of General Committee. 
On motion of W. J. Sharpies, report received and election of 
Marshal ratified." 

Acting under the foregoing selection in the execution of such 
authority as is customarily vested in the Commander-in-Chief, 
Mr. Tilbrook early announced his staff as follows: 



APPENDIX. 



171 



Chief Marshal, 

Thomas Tilbrouk. 



Adjutant General, 
Capt. W. E. Thompson. 

Chief of Staff, 
Capt. A. B. Campbell. 

Dioision Commanders. 

First Division, Capt. T. C. Crawford. 
Sccoiui Dij'ision. Prof. H. F. Brooks. 
Tliii d Division. Jas. Stratton. 



Abbott, W. S. , 
Altmeyer, Geo., 
Andre, Jas. Z., 
Arnold, Max, 
Arthurs, Chas., 
Auld, J. P., 
Bachman, Max, 
Baile}-, W. C, 
Bailie, J. W., 
Bailie, Robt., 
Beam, Capt. John R. 
Bestwick, Jacob, 
Black, Oliver, 
Black, Dr. R. J., 
Bligh, Patrick, 
Boax, J. J., 
Bohn, Jacob S., 



Aides. 

Bolji, Theo., 
Boyd, A. S., 
Brown, Chas. H., 
Campbell, Jas., 
Campbell, Dr. J. M., 
Campbell, J. Wesley 
Carothers, S. E., 
Carver, A. J., 
Caughey, Jas. Y., 
Caughey, Robt. H., 
Christy, John R., 
Clark, Robt., 
Conroy, Fred., 
Coon, Capt. O. C, 
Coursin, J. P., 
Crawford, R. C, 
Croneme3er, W. C. 



APPENDIX. 



Dart, W. T., 
Davis, M. E., 
Davitt, Jno. F., 
Deuimler, A. J., 
Dersam, J- N., 
Devenny, J as. L., 
Donovan, D. G., 
Douglass, E. P., 
Douglass, W. L., 
Dunshee, J. F., 
Edmundson, Wm. H., 
Ekin, R. W., 
Ekm, W. M., 
Erickson, John. 
Evans, Geo.. 
Everett, F. M., 
Falkenstein, Geo. J. F., 
Fehr, Geo,, 
Finley, S. F., 
Firestone, Samuel, 
Gannon, Francis, 
Gardner, T. D., 
German, Wm., 
Gleason, F. S., 
Golden, Adam, 
Graff, G. F., 
Hamilton, E. E., 
Hammitt, J. L., 
Hardy, David, 
Harrison, F. G., 
Henderson. J. R., 
Herwick, (j. B., 
Hitzrot, Dr. H. W., 



Hughes, T. D., 
Hunter, W. W., 
Jones, O. G., 
Jones, T. C. , 
Kearney, Dr. E. C, 
Kirkpatrick, Louis, 
Knox, Chas. A., 
Leppig, Geo. M., 
Long, Patrick, 
Lowry, S. O., 
Ludwick, G. F., 
Lugner, Alex., 
McCune, P. W., 
McGraw, Thos. , 
McKee, Dr. J. O., 
May, R. J., 
Mellinger, J. A., 
Millar, Thos. A., 
Miller, W. J., 
Miller, Dr. W. T., 
Mitchell, James, 
Moffatt, G. D., 
Moore, W. H., 
Morgan, Jos., 
Morris, Bernard, 
Murphey, M. R., 
Murphy, P. J., 
Myer, G. F., 
Myers, Harry, 
Nagel, Wm., 
Neel, J. M., 
Newlin, T. F., 
Nicol, J. F. 



APPENDIX. 



173 



Patterson, F. M., 
Patterson, F. W., 
Patterson, Jas. E., 
Penney, J. L., 
Penney, Saml. E., 
Plattenburg, Jos., 
Port, J. W., 
Rankin, R. C, 
Reynolds, Thos., 
Richardson, L3curgus, 
Ryan, A. M., 
Ryan, M. F., 
Scott, J. K, 
Shale, J. B., 
Shaw, John A., 
Shaw, Saml. W., 
Short, W. A., 
Skelley, J. A., 
Smith. Geo. F., 
Smith, J. C, 
Soles, C. E., 
Soles, Edwin, 



Spangler, J. K., 
Stewart, Henry, 
Stewart, M. Wilson, 
Stone, Geo. W., 
Stuckslager, H. R., 
Trich, E. M., 
Tyson, J. A., 
Unger, Jos., 
Volk, R. J., 
Wagoner, Robt., 
Walker, Wm., 
Wall, John, 
W^eddell, Dr. O. S., 
Weir, Robt., 
West, Wm., 
White, Dr. T. L., 
Wiley, T. F., 
Williamson, A. K., 
Wolf, Emanuel, 
Wolf, Max, 
Wood, T. D., 
Young, W. F. 



Adcnda. 



BREDERICK RHODES, of West Elizabeth, aged ninety- 
one years, was born in a log house on the Evans' farm, 
this citw He lived his early boyhood days here and has watched 
the growth of IMcKeesport from his infancy. The fact of his 
having been born here was called to the attention of the Centen- 
nial Committee and it was at once decided to ask him to preside 
at the mass-meeting called in connection with the celebration of 
the event. Mr. Rhodes is hale and hearty, despite his age. 



Since the chapter on Postoffice and Postmasters was printed, 
the changes in politics gave the city a new postmaster, the 
appointee being Gilbert F. Myer, a }'oung, active business man. 
He was appointed in August. Mr. Myer has the honor of being 
named the Centennial postmaster. 



Investigation as to who represents tlie oldest famil\- in this 
city, indicates that it is the Stewart descendents — Henry and 
John W. Stewart. They are sons of the late Hamilton Stewart, 
whose father, Samuel Stewart, came here prior to 1790. The 
exact date cannot be ascertained. Hamilton Stewart was born in a 
log house near what is now known as the corner of Fifth avenue 
and Huey street, in the \ear 1790. The descendents of Samuel 
Sinclair, who married a niece of John McKee, represent nearly, if 
not quite, as old stock. Each family doubtless claims precedence. 



There are four survivors of the Mexican war at present, living 
in the city — not two as previously stated. They are Major John 
W. McCully, William Sharp, Major N. Finch and Thomas 
Eastwood. 



Index to Illustrations. 



Altmeyer Theater, ------ opposite page ii6 

Centennial Schoolhouse, _-__-- yj 

Central Fire and Police Station, - - - - opposite page 127 

Central Presbyterian Church, illustrating present church architecture, 83 
Citizens' National Bank, ----- opposite page 88 

First National Bank, ----- opposite page 26 

First Schoolhouse erected in McKeesport, - - - - 20 

General View of McKeesport, . _ - . Frontispiece 

James R. Hendrickson, first Burgess of McKeesport, - - - 120 

Joseph Wampler, first Justice-of-the-Peace of McKeesport, - 132 

Market House (Original), ----- opposite page 7 

Market House, erected in 1SS4, _ . _ - - y^ 

McKee Monument, _ _ _ - . opposite page 102 

McKeesport Hospital Building, - - - - - 114 

McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery Entrance, - - - - 100 

National Bank of McKeesport, - - - opposite page 80 

National Tube Works, ------- 47 

People's Bank, ------ opposite page 36 

Redick McKee, son of the founder of McKeesport, - opposite page 16 

Soldier's Monument, ------- 106 

The Three Great Trunk Lines, - - - - opposite page 63 

Union Church, first church edifice erected in McKeesport, - 76 

United States Iron & Tin Plate 'Works, - - - - 49 

View on Fifth Avenue, _ - - - opposite page 70 

View of McKeesport, showing manufacturing districts, opposite page 50 
View on Walnut Street, _ . _ _ opposite page 54 

W. Dewees Wood Company's Works, - - - opposite page 45 

White's Opera House, ----- opposite page 113 

Young Men's Christian Association Building, - - - - 94 



General Index. 



Banks and Banking, - - - - - - - . 57 

Board of Trade, --_...- gy 

Boat and Skiff Iiuilding, ------- 31 

Bridges, --------- 67 

Building and Loan Associations, - - - - - - 61 

Burgesses, --.-...- 129 

Card of Tiianks, - - - - - - - - 4 

Churches, -------- -.7 

City of McKeesport, - - - - - - - i33 

City Passenger Railwa}s, ------ 65 

Coal Business, -------- 29 

Early Incidents, ------- 25 

Fire Department, -------- 127 

Great Industries, ------- ^5 

John McKee, - - - - - - - - ir 

Justices-of-the-Peace and Aldermen, - - - - - 131 

Library Association, ------- g6 

Market Houses, ------- y^ 

McKeesport, (Its Origin) -------7 

McKees of McKeesport, ------ g 

Military Record, -------- 103 

Navigation, -------- 27 

Newspapers, - - - - - - - "53 

Newspapers (Swedish), - - - - - - 126 

Notable Fires, - - - - - - - -117 

Notable Public Buildings, - - - - - - 113 

Occupations, -------- 23 

Officers of the City of McKeesport, 1S94, - - - - i^i 

Old Time Residents, ------- 17 

Old Time Voting, ------- 21 

One Hundred Years, (A Poem) ------ 6 

Our Municipal Life, ...-,., 121 



GENERAL INDEX— Concluded. 



Post Office and Post Masters, - - - - - - 33 

Preface, --------- 5 

Professional Men, - - - - - - - -m 

Public Offices and Officers, ------ log 

Railroads, ---------63 

Recapitulation, -------- 135 

Roads and Boardwalks, - - - - - - -iig 

School Controllers of McKeesport, 1894, - - - - j^^ 

Schools and School Houses, - - - - - - 69 

Secret Societies, .---.-. gg 

"Silent Cities," -------- gg 

Soldiers' Monument, ------- 107 

Smaller Industries, --------37 

Telegraph and Telephone Service, ----- 50 

Topography, -------- iz 

Young Men's Christian Association, ----- 95 



Index to Appendix. 



Centennial Celebration, ------ j^y 

Proceedings of General Committee, ----- j^g 

Centennial Day. 

Formation of Procession, Route, _ - - . j^5 

Order of Procession, ------ 1^7 

Industrial Day. 

Order of Procession, ------ i^g 

Standing Committees. 

Centennial Committee, ----- j^g 

Churches and Sunday Schools' Committee. - - 162 

Colored People's Committee, _ _ - - j5y 

Decorations' Committee, ------ 155 

Educational Committee, ----- j5y 

Entertainment Committee, _ - - - . j5g 

Finance Committee, ------ jgg 

Fire-works' Committee, ------ iQ^ 

Historical Committee, ----- jQj 

Invitation Committee, ------ j5o 

Military Committee, ----- - 161 

Music Committee, --..-- j5j 

Press and Printing Committee, - - - - jQj 

Processions' Committee, ------ 160 

Reception Committee, ----- 158 

Societies, Unions and Clubs' Committee, - _ - J52 

Speakers' Committee, ------ 164 

Specialties and Fantastics' Committee, - - - - 166 

Transportation Committee, ----- 166 

Woman's and Antiquaries Committee, - - - - 164 

Chief Marshal and Staff, ------ jyo 

Aides, -------- lyi 

Adenda. 

Frederick Rhodes, Gilbert F. Myer, Stewart Family, Samuel 

Sinclair, Mexican War Survivors, - - - 174 



W 98 



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